Steph Curry Defeats Sabrina Ionescu In First NBA Vs WNBA 3-Point Showdown
Witness history as Steph Curry defeats Sabrina Ionescu in first NBA Vs WNBA three-point showdown at All-Star Weekend.
Author:Paula M. GrahamReviewer:Hajra ShannonFeb 19, 20241.4K Shares40.9K Views
In a groundbreaking clash during All-Star Weekend, Steph Curry defeats Sabrina Ionescu in first NBA vs WNBAthree-point contest.
The Golden State Warriors star outshot the New York Liberty standout, scoring 29 points to Ionescu's 26, settling a long-debated question about the prowess of NBA and WNBA sharpshooters.
Curry Prevails In Historic NBA Vs. WNBA 3-Point Contest
Ionescu, expressing her enthusiasm on the TNT broadcast, articulated her desire to alter the narrative surrounding NBA and WNBA players. According to CNN, She was excited to "change the narrative" and be able to do it alongside the greatest to ever do it.
"That was amazing Just to be able to have this be the first of this kind of event and come out here and put on a show but understanding what this means. Excited to change the narrative and be able to do it alongside the greatest to ever do it,” she said.
Curry, adorned with a three-point champion belt, lauded the event and Ionescu's performance: "She set the bar, it was unbelievable to watch. So, this might be something - I don’t know if anybody can fill these shoes but it might be something that we need to do more often."
The contest featured a dream crossover match-up between two elite shooters. Curry, a two-time NBA three-point contest champion with the record for most career three-pointers (3,642), faced off against Ionescu, who set the WNBA record for most three-pointers in a single season (128) in 2023. She also holds the WNBA and NBA all-time record score in the three-point contest, achieving 37 points out of a possible 40 last season.
The official release detailed the difference in shooting conditions, with Curry using NBA balls from the NBA three-point line, while Ionescu utilized the WNBA equivalents – a slightly closer three-point line and a smaller ball.
Ionescu, confident in her abilities, declared her intent to level the playing field before the match: "I’ll shoot from the NBA line… LETS GET IT," showcasing her determination to compete on equal terms.
As part of the contest, both Curry and Ionescu’s charities received donations from the NBA and WNBA, contributing to the NBA Foundation's mission of economic empowerment in the Black community. Each successful shot had a monetary value, adding to the fundraising effort.
Curry, acknowledging the significance of the event, remarked in late January: "I love the confidence, I love the competition. It’s a new format on that stage."
Mac McClung Clinches Back-to-Back NBA Dunk Contest Wins
In another electrifying moment, G League player Mac McClung secured his second consecutive NBA dunk contest victory. The Osceola Magic guard's spectacular leap over Shaquille O’Neal earned him a perfect score of 50 from the judges, making him the fifth player in league history to defend his title.
McClung, expressing both honor and self-critique, stated, "I wish I could’ve given more to the crowd." His flawless dunk over O’Neal, complemented by a perfect score, solidified his victory, surpassing competitors like Jaylen Brown and impressing the audience with his unique skills.
The traditional three-point contest witnessed Damian Lillard successfully defending his title, achieving the first back-to-back win since Jason Kapono in 2007 and 2008.
All-Star Weekend Spectacle
The weekend showcased various events, including a showcase of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) basketball, the Skills Challenge, and the Slam Dunk competition. The pinnacle of the weekend is the All-Star Game, featuring the best players from the Eastern and Western Conferences competing for supremacy.
The game reverted to the traditional Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference format, with notable players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James captaining their respective teams. Joel Embiid, recovering from knee surgery, missed out on the action.
Saturday's events commenced with the NBA's spotlight on HBCUs as Virginia Union faced Winston-Salem State. The Skills Challenge and the three-point contest showcased players' versatile skill sets, leading up to the Slam Dunk competition.
Sunday features the G League's series of events at the G League Park before the much-anticipated All-Star Game at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The real winners of the weekend extend beyond the court, with the charities of choice for Ionescu and Curry benefiting from the NBA and WNBA's generous donations.
Paula M. Graham
Author
Hajra Shannon
Reviewer
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