Growing up in the Bay Area of California, Sabrina Ionescu, star guard for the New York Liberty, never imagined that she would have the opportunity to compete against her childhood idol, Stephen Curry, in a 3-point shooting contest at the NBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis. As a senior at Oregon in 2020, Ionescu had the chance to watch Curry attend one of her games, but now she finds herself on the same court, ready to showcase her skills against the two-time NBA 3-point challenge winner.
The announcement of this unique competition has sparked conversations about the connection between the NBA and the WNBA. Both Ionescu and Curry emphasized that events like this highlight the mutual respect between players in the two leagues and aim to change the narrative surrounding women’s basketball. Ionescu, at 26 years old, believes that such an event can inspire young fans to dream big and aspire to compete at the highest levels of the sport, regardless of gender.
Choosing the Challenge
Initially, it was planned that Ionescu would shoot from the WNBA’s 3-point line, which is shorter than the NBA’s. However, Ionescu requested to shoot from the NBA line, the same as Curry, showcasing her confidence and determination to prove herself as a top shooter. By choosing to shoot from the NBA line, Ionescu is not only testing her skills but also sending a message about the capabilities and willingness of WNBA players to compete at the highest level.
Curry, known for his support of the WNBA and the upcoming Warriors’ expansion franchise in 2025, sees this competition as an opportunity to push the boundaries of what it means to be a basketball fan. He believes that authentic competitions like this between successful shooters from both leagues can elevate the level of play and bring a new level of excitement to the sport. For Curry, this moment represents a chance to reshape how people view competition and inspire the next generation of basketball players, both boys, and girls, to aim for greatness.
As the competition garners attention, Curry shared that his daughter, Riley, a fan of Ionescu, will be cheering for her dad during the event. Despite the friendly rivalry, Curry and Ionescu both see this as an opportunity to showcase their talents and contribute to the growth of basketball as a whole. They view this event as uncharted territory, an honor to be the first to participate, and a privilege to inspire future generations of athletes.
The upcoming 3-point shooting contest between Sabrina Ionescu and Stephen Curry represents more than just a competition between two elite shooters. It symbolizes a connection between the NBA and the WNBA, a moment to challenge perceptions about women’s basketball, and an opportunity to inspire young fans to dream big. As these two athletes take the court at NBA All-Star weekend, they are not only showcasing their skills but also reshaping how the world views competition and paving the way for a new era of basketball.