Sabrina Ionescu, a standout guard for the New York Liberty, is set to compete in the 2025 WNBA All-Star 3-point contest despite experiencing a career-low shooting percentage this season. The event will take place in Indianapolis on July 18 and 19, giving Ionescu a chance to regain her shooting crown from the 2023 contest.
Returning to the 3-Point Contest After a Year’s Absence
Ionescu captured the 3-point contest title in 2023, setting a record with 37 points in a single round by shooting 92.5%. However, she chose not to defend her title in 2024, when Washington Mystics’ Allisha Gray won the contest. This year, Ionescu will compete again alongside confirmed participant Sonia Citron, a promising rookie from Washington Mystics, aiming to claim her second 3-point crown.
Despite being in her sixth WNBA season, Ionescu’s three-point shooting percentage has dropped to 32.4% this year, a career low, which adds a layer of uncertainty to her performance in the upcoming contest. Nevertheless, her reputation as one of the league’s premier shooters remains intact.
Hints of Participation and Previous High-Profile Matchups
Sabrina Ionescu appeared to hint at her involvement in this year’s 3-point contest through social media, sharing a photo of her shootout with <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA star Steph Curry during the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, accompanied by eyeball emojis. Ionescu previously faced Curry in a high-profile shootout, narrowly losing 29-26, yet holding the record for most points scored in a round across both NBA and WNBA events.
When questioned about the possibility of competing against Caitlin Clark from the Indiana Fever, who was invited but declined last year, Ionescu remained focused on advancing in the contest before considering any final matchups.
“I gotta get through to the second round,” Ionescu said. “Who even knows if I’m in the second round?”
—Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty Guard
Clark’s debut in this year’s contest in her home city of Indianapolis is highly anticipated but not yet confirmed, adding intrigue to the event’s competitive landscape.
Ionescu’s Ongoing All-Star Impact and Team Dynamics
This season marks Sabrina Ionescu’s fourth consecutive WNBA All-Star selection and her second time as a starter since 2022. She is currently averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, solidifying her status as a vital player for the New York Liberty.
Ionescu was drafted to Team Caitlin Clark for the All-Star Game, placing her alongside the Indiana Fever star. Their starting lineup will also feature Satou Sabally, A’ja Wilson, and Aliyah Boston, further strengthening their side as the All-Star Weekend unfolds at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Significance of Ionescu’s Return to the 3-Point Shootout
Sabrina Ionescu’s return to the 3-point contest amid a challenging shooting season symbolizes her determination to reaffirm her elite status as one of the WNBA’s best shooters. The event will also spotlight rising stars like Sonia Citron and potentially Caitlin Clark, promising a competitive and exciting showcase.
As this event approaches, all eyes will be on Ionescu to see if she can replicate her outstanding 2023 performance and secure her place among the league’s great shooters, setting the tone for the second half of the WNBA season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Sabrina Ionescu a millionaire?
A. Sabrina Ionescu is believed to have a net worth of $5 million in 2024.
Q. Is Sabrina Ionescu black or white?
A. Sabrina Ionescu was born in Walnut Creek, California. Her parents are Romanian-American. Her father, Dan Ionescu, fled from communist Romania around the 1989 revolution. He sought political asylum in the United States.
Q. Why did Sabrina Ionescu have surgery?
A. Sabrina Ionescu, a standout player for the New York Liberty, had surgery last Friday. The operation was to fix a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of her right thumb, as she shared on her social media.