‘It was perfect’: Curry edges out Ionescu in NBA v WNBA three-point contest

Stephen Curry was on a roll – and it was barely enough to beat Sabrina Ionescu. Fittingly, he won by three.

The Golden State star and NBA’s all-time three-point king defeated Ionescu 29-26 in the Steph v Sabrina competition on All-Star Saturday night, the first of what could become a fixture at the league’s showcase weekend.

“It was perfect for us to deliver a show like that,” Curry said. “As much excitement as you can build in that short time with two great shooting games. This is something we will remember for a long time.â€

Ionescu won the WNBA’s three-point shootout during All-Star weekend last year with a career-high 37 points, breaking Curry’s NBA shootout mark of 31 points. From there, a challenge was turned down and the plan was made for them to meet during All-Star weekend.

“Hopefully this isn’t the last time we do this,” Ionescu said.

Curry and Ionescu then talked about adding partners to the mix next year, when All-Star weekend takes place in San Francisco, the area where he plays and she calls home.

Ionescu went first and made 18 of 27 shots – starting seven for seven. Some of them were worth one point, some were worth two, giving her a total of 26 points.

She shot from the NBA three-point line, which is about 12 to 18 inches further from the basket than the WNBA line, depending on the floor space. Ionescu used a WNBA ball, which is slightly smaller than the NBA ball Curry used.

Curry had to rally at the end and make nine of his last 10 to wrap up the victory.

Combined they scored 39 for 54 (72%) in a match with unconventional elements such as a lime green glass floor.

“This was so authentic for both of us to be able to be here, finally not in a closed gym, where everyone could shoot and understand what it means for ourselves, but also for the bigger picture,” said Ionescu, who has previously defeated Curry in a HORSE competition without millions of people watching on television. “This is where I wanted to be… It has changed the landscape of how people view what we do.â€

There is no rivalry between the two, even though Curry harassed Ionescu during her rehearsal session on Friday. He cheered her as she shot.

“I’m definitely trying to apply some pressure,†Curry said.

The reality is that he has inspired Ionescu for more than half her life. Ionescu’s family had season tickets for Warriors games. He gave her a high-five once when he was in the tunnel connecting the locker room to the court. She had a picture of him as a screen saver.

Years later, when Ionescu starred at Oregon, she was high-fiving Curry’s daughters, who are fans of hers. And on Saturday, Ionescu said the experience had taught her a lesson.

“Just to keep believing in myself,†she said. “You know, ten years ago I never would have thought this was possible. And so to be able to be here… it’s a blessing and an opportunity to even be in the same conversation as Steph and to be able to see how much he respected me as a player and a basketball player and someone who wants to come here and do this .â€

The match raised money for each of their charitable foundations, and when the match was over, Curry left with the belt, but they both left more than satisfied.

“I don’t know what’s going to come out of it, but Sabrina and I talked about how cool the opportunity is to do something that’s never been done before in our game,” Curry said. said. “And having her on this stage will go a long way in inspiring the next generation of young boys and girls who want to compete and see themselves in one of us. Wherever it comes from, we know we can plant our flag if we do something really special.â€