Sabrina Ionescu took a step back to shoot from the 3-point arc in the NBA, but she could have gone shot-for-shot with just about anyone.
The Liberty star sank his first seven shots and finished the round with 26 points, which was tied for the best round of 3-point competition in the NBA.
However, Stephen Curry is in his own stratosphere, so is pretty much anyone.
The Warriors superstar and all-time great shooter hit the final four triples to beat Ionescu by three points in the first NBA vs. WNBA 3-point challenge Saturday night in Indianapolis.
Curry’s prize was a WWE-style “Steven vs. Serena” championship belt with a GOAT painted on each side.
Both players received $25,000 each for their respective charities.
“I think nights like tonight show a lot of boys and girls that if you can shoot, you can shoot,” Ionescu said on TNT. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a girl or a boy. I think all that matters is the heart you have and the desire to be the best you can be.”
Ionescu, a two-time All-Star who scored three points in a single WNBA season, shot as well as any player other than Curry while shooting from deeper than he is accustomed to.
The NBA 3-point arc is 23 feet, 9 inches from the basket at the top of the key. The WNBA line is 22 feet 1.75 inches.
Still, Ionescu said, “I want to continue to push the limits and continue to level the playing field,” and made sure to shoot from the same distance as Curry. Ionescu shot with a WNBA ball and Curry shot with an NBA ball.
“I’m excited to change the narrative with the greatest of all time,” Ionescu said.
Ionescu won the WNBA 3-point shootout during last year’s All-Star weekend with a new record 37 points, breaking Curry’s all-time NBA shootout record of 31 points.
From there, a challenge was thrown and plans were made to play against them at All-Star Weekend.
“I hope this is not the last time,” Ionescu said.
— With AP
