On Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty made WNBA history by winning the three-point contest for the second time, joining Allie Quigley as only the second player to do so. Ionescu’s final round performance was marked by a remarkable streak of 11 consecutive made shots, culminating in a 30-point total that secured her victory after Allisha Gray scored 22 points initially.
A Powerful Performance Fueled by Past Rivalry
Although Ionescu did not surpass the 37 points she scored in her first three-point contest win in 2023, she delivered an impressive showing at the event. Motivated by her previous defeat against Stephen Curry at the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis—where she lost in the three-point shootout—Ionescu sought redemption and succeeded in doing so on her home court.
“The last time I was here in Indy against Steph, I lost. So I feel like I had to come back and redeem myself.”
—Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty star
Consistent High-Level Shooting Throughout Competitions
Ionescu set the WNBA record for the three-point contest in 2023 by scoring 37 points, the highest ever in the event. Last year at Lucas Oil Stadium, she tallied 29 points in a similar contest against Curry, and this year’s 30-point total further demonstrated her shooting prowess and competitive consistency.
Mixed Emotions Despite Victory and Team Success
Despite her historic win, Ionescu expressed some disappointment with her individual performance, feeling she missed some easier shots she could have made. However, she was pleased to be part of a successful night for the Liberty, who completed a sweep after teammate Natasha Cloud won the skills competition earlier in the evening.
“Well, I’m pretty disappointed. I feel like I missed a few easy ones there that I definitely could’ve made, so I’m sorry about that. But just happy to be here and obviously, happy to have won with my teammate Natasha Cloud, who won the skills competition, as well.”
—Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty star
Momentum and Outlook for New York Liberty After the Break
Heading into the All-Star break, the New York Liberty held a strong 15-6 record, second only to the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA standings. Ionescu emphasized the importance of both resting and enjoying the recognition earned during the break, while also anticipating the upcoming challenge of facing the Indiana Fever in Indianapolis immediately after the respite.
“Obviously, the All-Star break is a great opportunity to kind of rest, regroup and have fun and obviously, enjoy where you’re at and the accolades that you’ve achieved. You kind of get back to work here on Tuesday – we play Indy, so wish us luck.”
—Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty star
Impact of Ionescu’s Performance on the WNBA
Sabrina Ionescu’s second victory in the WNBA three-point contest not only solidifies her reputation as one of the league’s premier shooters but also enhances the visibility and excitement around the WNBA All-Star weekend events. Her ability to perform under pressure and seek redemption reflects the competitive spirit that continues to elevate women’s basketball. As the Liberty press forward, Ionescu’s sharpshooting will be a key asset in their pursuit of championship success this season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Sabrina Ionescu a millionaire?
A. In 2024, Sabrina Ionescu is thought to have a net worth of about $5 million. This amount comes from her income as a WNBA player.
Q. Is Sabrina Ionescu black or white?
A. Sabrina Ionescu’s birthplace is Walnut Creek, California. Her parents are Romanian-American. Her father, Dan Ionescu, fled from communist Romania around the 1989 revolution to find asylum in the U.S.
Q. Why did Sabrina Ionescu have surgery?
A. Sabrina Ionescu, a prominent player for the New York Liberty, recently had surgery on her right thumb to fix a UCL tear. She shared this information on her social media last Friday.