Ionescu Dominates 3-Point Contest as Cloud Secures Skills Competition Victory in Liberty’s All-Star Sweep!

Sabrina Ionescu Shines Again at All-Star Weekend

Sabrina Ionescu dazzled the crowd in Indianapolis by winning the 3-point contest yet again. This victory marks her second title after setting a record in 2023. Ionescu scored 30 points, edging out defending champion Allisha Gray. Her Liberty teammate, Natasha Cloud, also celebrated by winning the skills competition, ensuring a night to remember for New York fans.

“It’s such a thrill,” said Ionescu, who enjoyed cheering on her teammate. The two celebrated together, sharing their excitement about competing at the All-Star weekend.

While Ionescu’s 30 points in this contest were impressive, they didn’t quite match her record of 37 points from 2023, where she made a stunning 25 of 27 shots—an achievement unmatched in both the WNBA and NBA. The 30 points this time tied her for the second-highest score in the event’s history with Allie Quigley, a four-time contest champion.

Returning after skipping last year to prepare for the Olympics, Ionescu competed in the NBA All-Star weekend against Steph Curry, where she fell just short. This time, she was back on her game.

Gray, the defending champion, scored 22 points in the final but couldn’t beat Ionescu’s score. Meanwhile, Kelsey Plum sought to make her mark by attempting to win all major All-Star accolades but fell short in the contest.

Filling in for an injured teammate, Lexie Hull finished fourth with 20 points. The standout rookie from Washington, Sonia Citron, scored 19 points in her opening round.

In the skills competition, Natasha Cloud impressed everyone by completing the obstacle course in just 36.4 seconds, faster than her competition. Cloud, who previously hadn’t participated in any All-Star events in her 11-year career, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity.

The level of skill on display showcased the growing talent in women’s basketball. Recent surveys show that interest in the WNBA has increased significantly, with fan engagement and viewership levels rising year after year.

The league’s growth presents opportunities not just for the players but also for sponsors and community events—an important aspect in promoting women’s sports. According to a 2023 report from the Women’s Sports Foundation, 85% of young girls want to participate in sports, highlighting the importance of accessible role models like Ionescu and Cloud.

After winning, both players expressed their plans to share their success. Ionescu mentioned she would give half her prize money to Citron, making good on a promise to support her rookie teammate.

Overall, the All-Star weekend not only highlighted individual talents but also the camaraderie and community spirit within women’s basketball. As the sport continues to grow, fans can look forward to more thrilling moments and remarkable athletes paving the way for the next generation.

For updates and more on WNBA events, visit AP WNBA.

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