Ionescu Gets Revenge on Curry and Wins the All-Star Three-Point Contest

Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud Shine at WNBA All-Star Weekend

New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu won her second title in the three-point contest, setting a milestone at the WNBA All-Star Weekend. Ionescu demonstrated her skill by scoring 30 points in the second round, surpassing the current champion Allisha Gray, who scored 22 points. With this performance, Ionescu tied Allie Quigley for second place in the history of the WNBA three-point contest.

I knew I wouldn’t make it when I missed some at the beginning. But I could have gotten closer. I just missed some easy ones at the end. I think I knew I was up and I kind of zoned out a little bit and started listening to the crowd. But, 30 isn’t too bad. I’m happy with 30.

Sabrina Ionescu

In addition to seeking a new record, Ionescu was aiming for revenge after her participation in the three-point contest in February 2024, where she faced Stephen Curry during the NBA All-Star Weekend. On the other hand, her teammate on the Liberty, Natasha Cloud, took the victory in the skills challenge. Cloud recorded the fastest times in both rounds of the competition, securing a triumph for the team. Cloud completed the first round in 34.1 seconds and the second in 35.5 seconds, beating Erica Wheeler by 1.1 seconds in the final.

I really made sure to make those passes through the goal, to run between them to reduce the time it takes to make the passes and then the shots. And with the shots, if it didn’t feel right, I didn’t care.

Natasha Cloud

After his victory, Cloud ran to celebrate with his teammate and partner, Isabelle Harrison, sealing the triumph with a kiss. Cloud revealed that the prize money will go towards the down payment on a house for both of them. Cloud received $55,000 from Aflac and $2,575 from the league, while Ionescu earned $62,575, including $60,000 from Aflac and $2,575 from the league. Ionescu promised half of her earnings to Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics rookie, and the other half to her charitable foundation, SI20. Cloud highlighted that the Liberty’s successes on Friday night bode well for a solid second half of the season.

I’ve been talking about it since we both entered the skills and triples challenge, I’ve been talking to Sab about sweeping the night. But today is the day, and it was a good night. I was really grateful for the opportunity… to come out victorious on ‘Liberty Biberty’ night. I think it’s also refreshing… It’s a great night for the Liberty organization.

Natasha Cloud