Sabrina Ionescu, star player for the New York Liberty, claimed her second victory in the 3-point contest during the WNBA All-Star Weekend, firmly establishing her position as one of the premier shooters in the league. Her impressive score of 30 points in the finals secured a win over reigning champion Allisha Gray, who managed 22 points. This accomplishment ties Ionescu with Allie Quigley for the second most points scored in a WNBA 3-point contest, while she holds the record of 37 points set in 2023.
Reflecting on the contest, Ionescu shared her thoughts on the competition, stating, “I knew I wasn’t going to get it when I missed a few on the front end… But I mean, 30 is not too bad. So I’m happy with 30 as well.” Her focus for this event was more about enjoying the experience instead of chasing records, having previously faced immense pressure when competing against NBA star Stephen Curry during the NBA All-Star Weekend in February 2024.
In addition to Ionescu’s triumph, her Liberty teammate Natasha Cloud also shone by winning the skills challenge, marking a remarkable evening for the team that the players dubbed “Liberty Biberty takeover.” Cloud demonstrated exceptional speed and skill, clocking in at 34.1 seconds in the first round and finishing the final with a time of 35.5 seconds, narrowly defeating Erica Wheeler.
Celebrating their victories, Ionescu and Cloud showcased their camaraderie as Ionescu ran to hug Cloud after her win. Cloud’s prize money will contribute to a down payment for a house with her girlfriend, fellow teammate Isabelle Harrison. Meanwhile, Ionescu indicated her intention to donate half of her winnings to Sonia Citron, a rookie from the Washington Mystics who was eliminated early in the contest, demonstrating a spirit of generosity and support for fellow players.
Both players emphasized that their success during the events foreshadows a strong second half of the season for the Liberty, who have experienced a mixed first half. As Cloud noted, winning both challenges in the same year is a rare feat, and she expressed optimism that this momentum will carry into future games.
This weekend’s events not only highlighted individual accomplishments but also showcased the strength and unity of the Liberty team, promising exciting possibilities as they push forward in the season.