WNBA explains why pair of superstars won't be in All-Star event

Clark — fresh off her league-record 19 dimes on Wednesday — leads the WNBA not only in assists per game (8.2), but turnovers (145) and three-point field-goal attempts (217) as well. The NCAA's all-time scoring leader also ranks third in three-point field goals (71).

Ionescu won the WNBA's three-point shootout in 2023, led the Association in connections from deep last season (128) and is second entering the 2024 All-Star break with 74 makes from downtown.

Minnesota Lynx All-Star guard Kayla McBride is first in the WNBA in three-point field goals (76) and is fifth in three-point field-goal attempts (178), giving her the sixth-best percentage (.427). The 42.7% success rate is well ahead of Clark (32.7%) and Ionescu (35.6%) and she'll be among the five competitors in Friday's showcase.

Both Clark and Ionescu will play in Saturday's All-Star Game, which pits "Team WNBA" against "U.S. Women's National Team." 

Clark and fellow Rookie of the Year contender Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky and Co. will suit up for the former squad before getting a well-deserved break. 

Ionescu will join two-time MVP (and teammate) Breanna Stewart and others on the national team before they leave for Paris and the 2024 Summer Olympics.