Sabrina Ionescu Captures WNBA 3-Point Contest Title Amid Caitlin Clark’s Absence

Sabrina Ionescu Captures WNBA 3-Point Contest Title Amid Caitlin Clark’s Absence

Without Caitlin Clark at the WNBA All-Star game, Sabrina Ionescu shined in the spotlight, clinching her second 3-point contest title on Friday night. This achievement solidifies her status as one of the league’s premier sharpshooters and highlights her competitive spirit.

The New York Liberty’s standout guard previously secured the title in 2023, setting a record that still impresses fans and players alike. During the final round of this year’s contest, Ionescu showcased her skills, scoring an impressive 30 points to outpace the defending champion, Allisha Gray.

“It’s fun, I was so excited for her, we were talking about it before we even came out here,” Ionescu expressed. She emphasized the camaraderie among players, noting the anticipation of cheering each other on during the contest.

Ionescu’s score of 30 matched the event’s second-highest tally, equaling the mark set by Allie Quigley, who is the only player to have won the contest four times. Although Ionescu did not surpass her record score of 37 from two years ago, her performance affirmed her elite level of play.

In 2021, Ionescu achieved a remarkable feat by sinking 25 of 27 shots, a record in both the WNBA and NBA. This year, while she did not reach that level, her consistent shooting under pressure drew praise from fans and commentators alike.

Interestingly, Ionescu did not compete in last year’s 3-point contest as she focused on preparing for the Olympics. However, she made her mark in Indianapolis by participating in a special shootout against NBA star Steph Curry, narrowly missing the victory. This time, her determination paid off, as she emerged triumphant in the All-Star festivities.

In a nod to their friendship, Ionescu spoke with enthusiasm after winning, even reaching out to Curry to share her latest achievement. “I called Steph and showed off the trophy,” she said, beaming with pride.

Lexie Hull Shines in Clark’s Absence

While Ionescu captured attention, Indiana Fever’s Lexie Hull filled in for her injured teammate Caitlin Clark, who suffered a right groin injury prior to the event. Hull finished fourth in the 3-point contest, tallying 20 points amidst the excitement of the crowd cheering from the sidelines.

Natasha Cloud Takes Skills Competition

Meanwhile, Ionescu’s teammate, Natasha Cloud, triumphed in the skills competition, marking a significant moment in her career. Cloud secured the fastest time in the obstacle course, which included elements of passing, dribbling, and shooting. She needed to surpass Seattle’s Erica Wheeler’s final time of 37.5 seconds.

Despite facing challenges—missing all three shots from the corner during the finals—Cloud exhibited remarkable resilience. She completed the course in 36.4 seconds, finishing 1.1 seconds faster than Wheeler.

As a reward for her victory, Cloud received $55,000 from Aflac through a partnership with the WNBAPA, along with an additional $2,575 from the league, in accordance with their collective bargaining agreement. Ionescu, for her part, earned $60,000 from Aflac and $2,575 from the league for her impressive 3-point contest victory.

This All-Star weekend marked a pivotal moment for Cloud—this was her first time participating in the All-Star festivities in an 11-year career. She had never before been invited to compete in either the All-Star Game or the skills competition, making her accomplishments even more notable.

Looking Ahead in the WNBA Season

As the WNBA season continues, players like Ionescu and Cloud embody the talent and determination that drive the league forward. Their performances not only entertain fans but also inspire future generations of athletes.

Moreover, with Caitlin Clark recovering from her injury, the anticipation builds for her return to the court. The WNBA’s exciting landscape promises thrilling matchups as teams vie for playoff positioning.

In a league rich with competition, the All-Star events spotlight the incredible skill and dedication of its players. As Ionescu continues to dominate and Cloud makes her mark, fans can expect to see extraordinary moments ahead.

This year’s All-Star game serves as a reminder of the depth of talent within the WNBA, showcasing stories of resilience, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.