Sabrina Ionescu Sets Record in 2023 WNBA All-Star Weekend 3-Point Contest
The 2023 WNBA All-Star Weekend kicked off on Friday with the highly anticipated Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest. The crowd was in for a treat as Sabrina Ionescu delivered a record-setting performance in the championship round of the 3-Point Contest.
Ionescu’s incredible display of shooting skills stole the show as she hit 20 shots in a row at one point and missed just twice. She finished with an astonishing 37 points, setting a new record for both WNBA and NBA contests. The crowd erupted in applause as they witnessed history being made.
However, Ionescu’s triumph in the 3-Point Contest was a bit of revenge for her loss in the Skills Challenge. Teaming up with Courtney Vandersloot, they were defeated in the championship round by Chelsea Gray and Kelsey Plum of Team Aces. Gray, the reigning Finals MVP, once again proved her clutch prowess in the event, sealing the victory for her team.
The 3-Point Contest followed the classic format that has made it a staple event for All-Star Weekends. This year’s contest added two “Starry” balls, worth three points each, placed well behind the 3-point line. Fierce competition ensued in the first round, with Sami Whitcomb and Sabrina Ionescu impressing the crowd. Both players hit both “Starry” shots and were consistent across all five racks. Whitcomb led the pack with 28 points, while Ionescu finished with 26 points. Arike Ogunbowale secured her spot in the championship round with a key performance on the “money ball” rack.
The championship round witnessed Ionescu’s dominance, as she set a new record with her exceptional 37-point performance. With a streak of 20 consecutive made shots, including both “Starry” shots, she solidified her victory and etched her name in the record books. Whitcomb performed admirably with 24 points but fell short, while Ogunbowale struggled to find her rhythm and finished with just 11 points, the lowest score of the competition.
In the Skills Challenge, the on-court aspect remained the same, but the format changed to a team competition featuring four pairs of All-Star teammates. The Dream and Wings were eliminated in the first round, while the Aces and Liberty, both with two point guards, had the advantage. Ultimately, Team Aces, comprised of Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young, emerged victorious with a fast completion time and precision in the 3-point shooting aspects of the challenge. Gray’s clutch performance exemplified why she is regarded as one of the most clutch players in the league.
The 2023 WNBA All-Star Weekend started off with a bang, showcasing the incredible skills of the league’s brightest stars. Sabrina Ionescu’s record-setting performance in the 3-Point Contest and Chelsea Gray’s clutch display in the Skills Challenge will undoubtedly be remembered as highlights of this year’s event.