The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis was supposed to be a showcase of the league’s best talent, a celebratory night of athleticism, skill, and star power. But by halftime, it was clear that only one team had brought their A-game—and ESPN’s Elle Duncan was ready with a line that would go down in All-Star history.

All-Star Festivities: High Scores, Low Defense

The night was electric from the tip-off. Fans packed the arena, eager to see Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Sabrina Ionescu, and other household names light up the scoreboard. This year’s twist—the addition of four-point zones—promised fireworks, and both Team Clark and Team Collier were more than happy to oblige.

But as the first half wore on, one thing became obvious: defense was nowhere to be found. Team Collier ran up the score, draining threes and launching deep bombs from the new zones, while Team Clark struggled to keep pace. By the time the halftime buzzer sounded, Team Collier held a commanding 82-60 lead, and the All-Star Game felt less like a competitive contest and more like a highlight reel for Collier’s squad.

Elle Duncan at the WNBA All-Star Game

Elle Duncan’s Moment: A One-Liner for the Ages

Enter Elle Duncan, ESPN’s witty and ever-candid sports anchor. As she took her place on the halftime show alongside Andraya Carter and Chiney Ogwumike, the mood was light but honest—no one could ignore the lopsided score.

Duncan, never one to shy away from a playful jab, delivered the line that would instantly set social media ablaze:
“We hope it gets a little bit more competitive,” she said, looking straight into the camera with her trademark grin. “Because like a girls’ trip to Cancun, right now, there’s no D.”

The studio erupted. Carter and Ogwumike tried to stifle their laughter, but the moment was too good. Ogwumike shot back, “Elle, you’re in timeout. You’re done.” The banter was infectious, and viewers at home couldn’t get enough.

Social Media Reacts: “No D” Goes Viral

Within minutes, the clip was everywhere. Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram lit up with memes, GIFs, and hot takes. “Elle Duncan with the line of the night!” one user posted. “This halftime show is more entertaining than the game!” wrote another. Even some NBA players chimed in, giving Duncan props for her quick wit.

The phrase “No D” began trending, with fans joking about the All-Star Game’s defense-optional approach. Some even compared it to NBA All-Star Games of the past, where offense often takes center stage and defense is little more than an afterthought.

But Duncan’s quip struck a chord because it was both funny and true. The All-Star Game, for all its glitz and glamour, was missing the back-and-forth intensity that makes for classic basketball moments.

Sports commentator Elle Duncan smiling

The Game: All Offense, All the Time

The second half brought more of the same. Team Collier continued their onslaught, with Napheesa Collier herself pouring in a record-setting 36 points—an All-Star Game milestone that had the crowd on its feet. Sabrina Ionescu drilled a deep four-pointer that had Duncan declaring, “That’s a walk-off!” as the cameras panned to the grinning sharpshooter.

Team Clark, meanwhile, kept firing away, but their defense never materialized. Caitlin Clark, the rookie phenom who has drawn record crowds and TV ratings all season, looked more interested in launching threes and sharing smiles than locking down opposing guards. Her team seemed to embrace the spirit of the exhibition: shoot, celebrate, repeat.

By the final buzzer, Team Collier had run up a staggering 151-131 victory. The scoreboard looked more like an NBA All-Star Game from the early 2000s than a WNBA showcase.

The All-Star Tradition: Fun Over Fierceness

If there’s a time for defense to take a backseat, it’s the All-Star Game. These annual exhibitions are as much about entertainment as competition. Dunks, deep threes, and flashy passes are the currency of the night, and players are more likely to break into a dance than a defensive stance.

But even by All-Star standards, this year’s game was a free-for-all. “It’s like they agreed to leave defense at the hotel,” joked one fan online. “But hey, we got a show.”

Duncan’s halftime zinger captured that sentiment perfectly. Her ability to poke fun at the game’s lack of defense without crossing the line or disrespecting the players is part of what makes her such a beloved broadcaster.

Elle Duncan: A Voice That Resonates

This isn’t the first time Elle Duncan has stolen the show. Known for her quick wit and fearless commentary, Duncan has become a fixture on ESPN’s NBA and WNBA coverage. Her rapport with co-hosts Carter and Ogwumike adds an extra layer of entertainment, turning even lopsided games into must-watch television.

“She just gets it,” said one longtime ESPN producer. “She knows how to read the room, how to make people laugh, and how to say what everyone’s thinking—but in a way that’s smart and never mean-spirited.”

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Duncan herself took to X (formerly Twitter) after the game, playfully retweeting clips of her comment and thanking fans for the love. “All in good fun! But seriously, let’s see some D next year 😜,” she posted, drawing thousands of likes and replies.

The Players Respond

Even some players got in on the joke. Napheesa Collier, the night’s MVP, laughed during the postgame press conference when asked about Duncan’s line. “She’s not wrong! We were just having fun out there. Maybe next year we’ll turn up the defense—just a little.”

Caitlin Clark, ever the good sport, smiled when reporters brought up the viral moment. “It’s the All-Star Game! We’re here to put on a show. If Elle wants more defense, maybe she should suit up next year,” she joked.

A Night to Remember

In the end, the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game will be remembered for its scoring fireworks, its relaxed vibe, and, above all, Elle Duncan’s perfectly timed punchline. In a league that’s growing in popularity and visibility, moments like these—where humor and honesty collide—help bring fans even closer to the game.

As the confetti settled and Indianapolis bid farewell to the league’s brightest stars, one thing was clear: Duncan’s “girls’ trip to Cancun” joke wasn’t just the line of the night—it was the spirit of the night. Sometimes, a little laughter is exactly what the game needs.

And next year? Well, maybe we’ll see a little more D. But if not, at least we know Elle Duncan will be ready with another unforgettable one-liner.