Historic All-Star Face-Off: Curry Bests Ionescu in 3-Point Challenge
In a thrilling display of sharpshooting prowess, Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu faced off in a historic 3-point shootout during All-Star Saturday night, with Curry emerging victorious. The event was a showcase of skill and sportsmanship, as both players aimed to outdo each other in a friendly yet competitive matchup.
Curry, known for his impeccable shooting, lived up to his reputation by scoring an impressive 29 points. Ionescu, 26, chose to shoot from the NBA 3-point line, 23 feet and 9 inches away, instead of the women’s line. She used a WNBA ball, adding a unique twist to the contest. Fans had the chance to vote on who would shoot first, leading Ionescu to kick off the challenge.
With five racks of five balls each strategically positioned around the arc, the competition was intense from the start. Ionescu set a high bar, scoring on every ball from the first rack and ending with a remarkable 26 points. This tied for the highest score of the night, until Curry stepped up. In typical Curry fashion, he delivered under pressure, particularly on his final rack, showcasing why he’s one of the best shooters in the game.
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Before the contest, Ionescu appeared relaxed, engaging in light conversation, while Curry admitted to feeling nervous about the worldwide attention the event was drawing. This showdown was particularly significant as Ionescu had previously set a record in the WNBA 3-point contest with a staggering 37-point round, surpassing Curry’s own record.
In another exciting development from the night, Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks triumphed in the 3-point contest with a final round score of 26, becoming the first back-to-back champion since Jason Kapono in 2007-08 and the first Buck to win since Ray Allen in 2001.
Fans are already anticipating future rematches, with Ionescu remarking on the potential for another showdown, especially as the 2024 All-Star Game will be hosted by Curry’s Golden State Warriors. This event not only entertained but also hinted at more thrilling matchups to come in the future.