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The WNBA was well represented in New Orleans this weekend during the NBA's all-star festivities. Elena Delle Donne, Skylar Diggins and Tamika Catchings kicked things off for the WNBA by participating in the celebrity game, which was about as unwatchable as usual. The presence of professional athletes did little to save the game -- in the immortal words of Catchings "I'm just trying to not get hurt out here."
Given last week's news about Lauren Jackson, it's hard to blame Catchings for being cautious. The extra recognition for the league is great, but that's about the extent of it as Diggins and the East earned a 60-56 win.
If you were wondering why Diggins played for the Eastern Conference instead of the Western Conference, she was "traded" in a deal that also involved Elena Delle Donne.
Things got a little more interesting during the NBA's skill competition, where one WNBA player joined each team for the shooting stars challenge. Becky Hammon played on Team Curry, Delle Donne played on Team Hardaway, Diggins played on Team Durant and Swin Cash shot for contest-winners Team Bosh.
Not only was this competition entertaining, the WNBA acquitted itself very well. Hammon sunk a half-court shot and Cash was money for team Bosh in the victory.
Highlights of the Shooting Stars Competition
The WNBA wasn't just represented on the floor, several former (and current) players made their way to the big easy to take in the best the NBA has to offer.
Playing knockout with the kids at the WNBA fit court! http://t.co/2wn5TQhAKR
— Elena Delle Donne (@De11eDonne) February 16, 2014
Me and my baaaaaaaaaaaby! Hanging at #AllStarSaturday his fave day of #allstar #NOLA2014 http://t.co/htdp97sjY0
— Tina Thompson (@IamTinaThompson) February 16, 2014
The @WNBA's @swincash Becky Hammon @de11edonne & @skydigg4 take their #SearsShootingStars portrait. pic.twitter.com/nPXSGiTeiv
— NBA All-Star (@NBAAllStar) February 15, 2014
At #nbaallstar cheering on my fellow nothingbutnets champion Stephen Curry-one of the best 3-point… http://t.co/quD6H7Qf8B
— ruth riley (@ruthriley00) February 17, 2014
Look who I found at NOLA 2014 NBA Allstar! realgranthill33 Great seeing you! http://t.co/hw5WUv2BXr
— Lindsey Harding (@Lindsey_Harding) February 14, 2014
The WNBA season gets going in three months; hopefully they'll get more chances to advertise their product as the NBA season winds down.
