Sabrina Ionescu Triumphs in WNBA 3-Point Contest as Caitlin Clark Sits Out

In a thrilling display of sharpshooting, Sabrina Ionescu clinched the WNBA 3-point contest title on Friday night, stepping into the spotlight with Caitlin Clark sidelined due to injury. The New York Liberty’s star guard, no stranger to this stage, secured her second career win in the event with an impressive 30-point final round, outshining defending champion Allisha Gray.

Ionescu, who previously set a jaw-dropping record of 37 points in 2023, didn’t quite reach those heights this time but still tied for the second-highest score in the contest’s history. Her performance in Indianapolis was a triumphant return after skipping last year’s event to prepare for the Olympics. Reflecting on her victory, she shared a lighthearted moment, saying she called Steph Curry to show off her latest trophy after falling just short against him in a special shootout earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Indiana Fever’s Lexie Hull stepped in for Clark, who was nursing a groin injury, and finished fourth with a respectable 20 points. Clark, ever the team player, was seen cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines.

In another highlight of the night, Ionescu’s Liberty teammate Natasha Cloud dominated the skills competition. Marking her first All-Star weekend appearance in an 11-year career, Cloud blazed through the obstacle course with a winning time of 36.4 seconds, edging out Seattle’s Erica Wheeler. Her victory, despite missing key shots, showcased her grit and earned her a hefty prize, a testament to her long-overdue recognition.

Both Ionescu and Cloud walked away with significant earnings, a nod to their talent and the growing support for women’s basketball. Nights like these remind us why the WNBA continues to captivate fans with its blend of skill, heart, and sheer determination.