PHOENIX — Phoenix’s Brittney Griner and New York’s Jonquel Jones are among the biggest names that will participate in the WNBA’s special competitions on Friday during the league’s All-Star weekend.

The WNBA also announced that Phoenix Mercury first coach and general manager Cheryl Miller will coach the WNBA All-Stars on Saturday. The national team will be led by Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve.

But the league’s Skills Challenge and 3-point Contest won’t include a handful of the league’s most popular players, including Indiana’s Caitlin Clark, Chicago’s Angel Reese and New York’s Sabrina Ionescu.

The Skills Challenge will include Griner, teammate Sophie Cunningham, Atlanta’s Allisha Gray, Connecticut’s Marina Mabrey and Indiana’s Erica Wheeler. The 3-point Contest includes Jones, Gray, Mabrey, Washington’s Stefanie Dolson and Minnesota’s Kayla McBride.

Griner is the only member of the U.S. Olympic Team who will participate in either competition.

The WNBA recently announced the selection of Brittney Griner and Jonquel Jones to the 2021 WNBA All-Star Game roster. Both players have been dominating the court this season and their selection is well-deserved.

Griner, a center for the Phoenix Mercury, has been a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. She is currently averaging 20.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, making her one of the top players in the league. Griner’s ability to score in the paint and protect the rim has been crucial for the Mercury’s success this season.

Jones, a forward for the Connecticut Sun, has also been putting up impressive numbers this season. She is averaging 21.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, showcasing her versatility and dominance in the paint. Jones’ ability to score inside and crash the boards has been instrumental in the Sun’s strong start to the season.

In addition to Griner and Jones, there was some news regarding another player and the All-Star Game. Las Vegas Aces guard/forward, Alyssa Thomas, has opted out of the All-Star Game due to injury. Thomas has been dealing with an Achilles injury that has kept her sidelined for most of the season, and she has decided to focus on her recovery rather than participate in the All-Star Game.

The WNBA All-Star Game is set to take place on July 14 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The game will feature the top players from around the league competing in a showcase of talent and skill. With players like Griner and Jones leading the way, fans can expect an exciting and competitive game.

Overall, the selection of Griner and Jones for the WNBA All-Star Game is a testament to their hard work and dedication to their craft. These two players have been shining bright this season and will undoubtedly put on a show for fans during the All-Star Game.