“When we play out there, it’s not about the tangible, statistical things that you see out there. It’s about how you get through adversity, how we stick together, how we communicate.”

The former MVP and current president of the WNBPA spent the entire 2020 WNBA season facing adversity and overcoming challenges. Nneka Ogwumike did it all on the floor, managing 13.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, while also being a leader and supporter to many players off the court.

Ogwumike started the year off in assisting the development of the new CBA agreement for the WNBA and then helped orchestrate the creation of the WNBA’s bubble season which included full season pay for the players and an emphasis on social justice initiatives. The current WNBPA president also was at the forefront of the decision making when it came to boycotting games in honor of Jacob Blake midway through the season.

The Sparks forward’s most notable game came in the season opener against the Phoenix Mercury. Ogwumike had a perfect game where she went 8-8 from the field, 3-3 from the free-throw line, and 2-2 from behind the arc. She finished the game with 21 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal all in just 24 minutes of play. The Sparks went on to win the game against the Mercury, 99-76.

Sparks looking scary this season 👀

Nneka Ogwumike finishes perfect from the field

(8-8 FG)
21 PTS
7 REBS

(via @LASparks)pic.twitter.com/l078ohTXiM

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 25, 2020

Ogwumike finished the season with highs of 24 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, while also being top 3 throughout the league in field goal percentage at 56.9%.

Head Coach Derek Fisher stated, “I don’t know why we get surprised when Nneka does great things, because I think we’ve all come to expect her just because of who she is to do great things every time she steps on the court, every time she steps up to a microphone, or whatever it is, she is a phenomenal woman.”