Stephen Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu: Historic NBA vs. WNBA 3-Point Challenge
- Feb 15, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 19
By Ryan Vickery — NBA analyst and writer covering the players, moments, and milestones that define the game.
In a groundbreaking showdown dubbed "Stephen vs. Sabrina," basketball luminaries Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty and Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors went head-to-head in the inaugural NBA vs. WNBA 3-Point Challenge. This first-of-its-kind event took place during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, bringing together two of the game’s most prolific shooters on the same stage.
The Battle Lines Drawn
Curry, already regarded as the greatest 3-point shooter in NBA history, entered the contest firing from the standard NBA 3-point line, which measures 23 feet 9 inches from the basket’s center. Using NBA basketballs, Curry leaned on years of experience from beyond the arc.
Ionescu, eager to showcase her elite long-range accuracy, was initially expected to compete from the WNBA line at 22 feet 1 ¾ inches with WNBA basketballs. In a bold move that won admiration from fans and players alike, she opted to step up to the NBA 3-point line and take on Curry under identical conditions.
The Numbers Game
The matchup wasn’t just about bragging rights—it was about redefining what’s possible on the hardwood. With both players firing from deep, fans eagerly anticipated whether Ionescu’s sharpshooting could rival Curry’s legendary efficiency. Both athletes also had to contend with the unique "Starry Range" shot, placed at a staggering 29 feet 9 inches, testing the limits of their long-distance skill.
The Odds and Expectations
Sportsbooks like FanDuel leaned slightly in Curry’s favor, citing his two NBA 3-Point Contest titles and record-shattering resume. Still, Ionescu had momentum on her side. Fresh off her record-breaking WNBA 3-Point Contest victory in 2023—where she scored an astonishing 37 out of a possible 40 points—fans and analysts wondered if she could pull off the upset.
Insights and Predictions
Sports commentator Skip Bayless and other analysts noted that while Curry is a proven master of the big stage, Ionescu’s near-perfect shooting display in last year’s WNBA contest proved she had the poise and precision to challenge him. Bayless went as far as to suggest Ionescu’s consistency could tilt the competition in her favor, setting up one of the most hyped cross-league matchups in recent memory.
The Challenge Accepted
The origin of the duel traces back to Ionescu’s challenge to Curry after her historic WNBA contest performance. Curry, ever the competitor, accepted without hesitation. That single moment sparked months of anticipation and a media frenzy leading up to All-Star Weekend.
A Duel of Legends
The storyline was irresistible: Curry, the NBA’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made, versus Ionescu, who set the WNBA single-season record with 128 3-pointers in 2023. Their matchup wasn’t just about competition—it symbolized the merging of two leagues in celebration of skill, precision, and basketball culture.
Update: Curry Emerges Victorious
When the lights came on in Indianapolis, Curry lived up to the hype. Despite Ionescu’s remarkable performance and smooth shooting rhythm, the Warriors star ultimately edged her out to secure victory in the first-ever NBA vs. WNBA 3-Point Challenge.
The duel wasn’t about defeat, though—it was about respect. Both Curry and Ionescu showcased why they are generational talents, and their performance left fans buzzing about the possibility of more NBA-WNBA crossover events in the future.
Conclusion
The "Stephen vs. Sabrina" contest wasn’t just a competition; it was a cultural moment for basketball. It brought together the NBA and WNBA in a shared spotlight, gave fans a thrilling spectacle, and underscored the universal artistry of the 3-point shot. With Curry’s victory and Ionescu’s fearless challenge, the foundation has been laid for future cross-league showdowns that will continue to grow the game on a global scale.
About the Author
Ryan Vickery is a staff writer for Massive Action Media with a degree in Sports Management. Based in Austin, Texas, he has been covering the NBA since 2022, delivering insights on players, rankings, and franchise history.
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