In a thrilling display of sharpshooting prowess, basketball legends Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionescu went head-to-head during the NBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis. The unprecedented 3-point challenge marked the first time two of the greatest long-range shooters in NBA and WNBA history competed directly against each other.
Originally slated to take shots from their respective league's 3-point lines with corresponding balls, Ionescu chose to shoot from the NBA line. Her decision showcased her confidence and determination to compete at the highest level. Starting strong, Ionescu scored 26 points, impressively making seven consecutive shots before missing her first.
Curry, following Ionescu, put on a remarkable performance, scoring 29 points and clinching the victory for the evening. While he secured the win, both fell short of their individual records. The Golden State Warriors' point guard expressed admiration for Ionescu, acknowledging that she had set a high standard for the competition.
The unique matchup, described by Curry as "uncharted territory," awarded him a championship belt adorned with two goats, symbolizing his status as the greatest 3-point shooter of all time. Ionescu, known for her exceptional 3-point abilities, holds the WNBA record for the most 3-pointers in a single season and the best 3-point contest performance in NBA or WNBA history.
The idea for this historic face-off emerged after Ionescu's outstanding performance in the previous year's WNBA 3-point contest, where she shattered Curry's record. The competition not only showcased the duo's friendly rivalry but also highlighted the camaraderie between them, rooted in their shared love for the game.
The contest adhered to standard Starry 3-Point Contest rules, featuring four ball racks with various point values and two Starry Range shots worth three points each. Both Curry's Eat. Learn. Play. organization and Ionescu's SI20 Foundation will receive donations from the NBA and WNBA, emphasizing the charitable aspect of the event. State Farm further committed to supporting the NBA Foundation for economic empowerment in the Black community by donating for every successful shot made during the competition.
This epic showdown, characterized by mutual respect and sportsmanship, left fans in awe and anticipation for future matchups between these two extraordinary shooters.
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