Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) after the Stephen vs. Sabrina three-point challenge during NBA All-Star Saturday Night. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

'It added a lot of pressure': Steph Curry praises Sabrina Ionescu after 3-point shootout win

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 2/18/24

Steph Curry won his shootout against Sabrina Ionescu. The two sharpshooters took part in the first-ever NBA vs. WNBA 3-point challenge.

During the contest, Ionescu scored 26 points, courtesy of 18-for-27 shooting, with some shots counting as two points. She also shot from the NBA three-point line, which is over a foot further from the basket than in the WNBA.

However, Curry stepped up and secured the win with a 29-point performance. When speaking to the media during the post-contest news conference, Curry praised Ionescu's shooting ability, admitting she put him under pressure.

"I saw the first rack, I think she made the first six, I believe," Curry said. "Maybe seven. I was having flashbacks of watching this summer. No matter what competition, whether it's this or the regular three-point competition, we would have both advanced to the next round. So, it added a lot of pressure for sure...That was perfect. Great entertainment. Great shooting on both sides. Awesome 70 seconds for both of us."

"She made the first 6, maybe 7... it added a lot of pressure."

Steph was feeling the heat after Sabrina's hot start pic.twitter.com/vZKKNP4rue
— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2024

Ionescu ended the shootout with the same amount of points as Damian Lillard scored to win the three-point contest for a second straight year. She proved herself as one of the best perimeter shooters in the world. The cross-over contest has been brewing since the summer when Ionescu won the WNBA three-point contest.

Nevertheless, Curry did what he always does: found a way to win. There's a reason why he's the greatest shooter of all time. Yet, for most fans, the contest was a way to discover the talent level the WNBA offers. Having such an elite head-to-head between two exceptionally gifted shooters was the perfect way to promote the WNBA to a national audience.

Curry has been a longtime proponent of women's basketball. It was fitting he would be on the court during one of the biggest advertisements for the league.

It would be fun to see these two stars go head-to-head again next season. The shoot-out was close. There's certainly reason for a rematch. Hopefully, both Curry and Ionescu would be willing to do it again.

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