In a moment that had fans and analysts buzzing, Sabrina Ionescu made her mark on the record books by shattering the all-time 3-point contest record, not just for the WNBA, but for both the WNBA and NBA combined. In a thrilling performance at the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend, Ionescu’s breathtaking display of shooting range and consistency left everyone in awe. It wasn’t just a victory; it was a moment that redefined the boundaries of what we know about the 3-point shot.

A Record-Breaking Performance

Sabrina Ionescu, known for her deadly accuracy and her ability to shoot from anywhere on the floor, entered the contest as one of the favorites—and she didn’t disappoint. With each ball she launched, Ionescu’s calm and confident demeanor spoke volumes. But as the rounds progressed, it was clear that something extraordinary was unfolding.

By the time Ionescu made her final shot, the crowd was on its feet. She had not only won the contest but had also broken the record for the most points ever scored in a 3-point contest, surpassing the previous all-time mark set by both NBA and WNBA legends. Her final tally of 35 points left everyone in the arena—including the other contestants—speechless.

The record-breaking shot came on her final rack, where she sank her fifth and final ball to seal the deal. Her shot-making was so smooth and effortless that it seemed almost impossible for anyone to keep up. Whether it was the top of the arc, the corner, or the deep 3-pointer from way beyond the line, Sabrina proved she could hit it from anywhere.

Why Sabrina Ionescu is the Perfect Candidate for this Historic Moment

For those who’ve been following Ionescu’s career, her record-breaking performance wasn’t entirely a surprise. The 23-year-old New York Liberty star has been setting the WNBA on fire with her scoring, playmaking, and shooting. She’s built a reputation as one of the most versatile and dynamic players in women’s basketball, known for her ability to hit from deep, create off the dribble, and make every play look effortless.

Her remarkable ability to shoot from range is a key part of her game. Over her career, Ionescu has consistently been among the league’s best 3-point shooters, and her success in the contest only further cements her place as one of the game’s most lethal scoring threats.

In the 2024 WNBA season, Ionescu shot 39.4% from three, ranking her among the top in the league. Her work ethic, combined with her natural shooting touch, made her an obvious choice to be included in the event—and she certainly lived up to the hype.

A Symbol for Women’s Sports

While Ionescu’s performance was electrifying on its own, her achievement has a much deeper significance. As the first-ever WNBA player to break the all-time 3-point contest record, Sabrina’s victory is a powerful statement for women’s sports. It highlights the growing recognition and respect for the talent in the WNBA and challenges the preconceived notions about what women’s basketball can do on the global stage.

Ionescu herself acknowledged the weight of the moment in her post-contest interview, expressing how much the support of both her fellow WNBA players and NBA stars meant to her.

“This one’s for all the women who play basketball, all the girls who dream of being in the NBA or the WNBA. We’re pushing boundaries every day, and this moment shows that our game is just as exciting and just as deserving of the spotlight,” Ionescu said. “I’m proud to represent women’s basketball and prove that we can compete and perform at the highest level possible.”

Her record-breaking moment speaks volumes about the progress women’s sports have made and where they’re heading. Ionescu’s feat has no doubt inspired countless young athletes to believe that their dreams can go as far as they dare to take them.

The NBA and WNBA: A Growing Partnership

What makes this record-breaking achievement even more special is the context in which it happened—the NBA All-Star Weekend. This marks yet another step in the growing integration of the WNBA and NBA, as both leagues continue to support one another. For Sabrina to break the all-time record in a contest that typically features only NBA players is a powerful symbol of unity and mutual respect between the leagues.

As the WNBA grows in popularity and recognition, moments like Ionescu’s 3-point contest performance are proving that women’s basketball is not only deserving of a bigger stage but capable of owning it. Ionescu’s victory is a testament to the caliber of athletes in the WNBA, and it serves as a reminder that the game of basketball has no gender boundaries.

Reactions: Fans and Fellow Athletes in Awe

Social media went into overdrive as Ionescu’s record-breaking performance was shared across platforms. Fans were in awe of her skill, with many commenting on how she had changed the narrative of women’s basketball with her incredible shooting display.

One Twitter user posted, “Sabrina Ionescu just hit 35 points in the 3-Point Contest—SHATTERING THE RECORD for both WNBA and NBA players!! She is a LEGEND! #SabrinaIonescu #WNBA”

Others marveled at the historical significance of the moment. “The fact that Sabrina Ionescu broke the 3-point contest record at the NBA All-Star Weekend just shows how far women’s basketball has come. She’s truly the future of the game!”

Even NBA stars couldn’t help but express their admiration for Ionescu’s performance. “What Sabrina did tonight was unreal,” said Stephen Curry, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. “She’s definitely on my radar now. I’m excited to see what she does next.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Sabrina Ionescu?

This record-breaking performance is just another chapter in Sabrina Ionescu’s already storied career. At just 23 years old, her best basketball is still ahead of her, and with every game, she continues to prove that she’s one of the most exciting and dangerous players in the sport. Her 3-point contest performance at NBA All-Star Weekend will surely be a landmark moment in her career, but it’s likely to be just one of many as she continues to elevate her game.

With the New York Liberty competing for a WNBA Championship, Ionescu’s record-setting night should only add fuel to her fire, and she’ll undoubtedly carry this momentum forward into the rest of the season. Whether she’s leading her team to the Finals or competing for more accolades, one thing is clear—Sabrina Ionescu is rewriting the history books, and the best is yet to come.

Conclusion: A Historic Night for Women’s Basketball

Sabrina Ionescu’s record-breaking performance in the 3-point contest was more than just a win—it was a pivotal moment in the history of basketball. She not only etched her name in the record books but also sent a powerful message to the world: women’s basketball deserves a place at the top of the sports world, and players like Ionescu are leading the charge. With her skills, leadership, and ability to break barriers, Sabrina Ionescu is already a legend in the making.