The ultimate showdown. Two of the most iconic figures in basketball—Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu—facing off in a high-stakes, full-on 3-point shooting challenge. If you’re a fan of sharpshooting, this matchup was a dream come true. Both players are known for their ridiculous range and pinpoint accuracy, and the tension in the air was palpable as they took to the court in what quickly became a must-watch event for basketball fans everywhere.

Sue Bird said that Sabrina Ionescu and Steph Curry's…

The Stephen Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu 3-Point Challenge had everything: intensity, jaw-dropping shots, and of course, plenty of drama. But who came out on top in this epic contest? Let’s break down the showdown between two of basketball’s brightest stars.

 The Stage is Set: The Ultimate 3-Point Duel

When it was announced that Stephen Curry, the greatest shooter in NBA history, would be facing off against Sabrina Ionescu, one of the most lethal long-range shooters in the WNBA, fans couldn’t wait to see the fireworks. Both players are known for their ability to stretch defenses with their shooting range, and this challenge was the perfect stage to see who truly reigns supreme in the world of three-pointers

Stephen Curry vence Sabrina Ionescu em desafio dos campeões de três pontos  - Esporte News Mundo

Curry, with his record-breaking feats in the NBA, is widely considered the gold standard when it comes to shooting. On the other hand, Sabrina, who’s been lighting up the WNBA with her scoring, playmaking, and clutch performances, has proven herself to be one of the league’s brightest young stars. In this 3-point challenge, the stage was set for a clash of titans, with both players bringing their A-game.

 The Format: No Margin for Error

The rules were simple: five racks of five balls—four regular balls worth one point each, and one money ball worth two points—spread across the court, each placed in different positions. Players had 60 seconds to shoot as many balls as possible, and their score would be the total points accumulated from each rack. The clock was ticking, and the pressure was on.

Stephen Curry vs Sabrina Ionescu 3-Point Contest - 2024 NBA All-Star  Saturday Night - YouTube

To make it even more thrilling, there was a special “deep ball” section, with the shooting spots set even farther back. For Curry, a man who has made a living shooting from beyond deep range, this was no problem. But for Sabrina, while she’s certainly no slouch from distance, the challenge seemed a little more daunting. But hey, she’s shown time and again she can handle pressure, and this showdown wasn’t going to be any different.

Round 1: The Curry Effect

The first round kicked off with Stephen Curry, and the crowd immediately sensed something special was coming. Curry, who’s built a career around splashing 3-pointers from virtually every spot on the court, was as locked in as ever. With his signature smooth shooting form, Curry effortlessly drilled shot after shot. The ball seemed to glide through the air as if it had its own gravitational pull, finding the bottom of the net with uncanny consistency.

Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu REACTION after 3-point showdown at NBA  All-Star Weekend - YouTube

By the time the buzzer sounded, Curry had knocked down an impressive 22 points, a score that seemed borderline unbreakable. The crowd erupted as Curry flashed his signature smile, confident in his performance but always hungry for more. As expected, Curry made this round look almost too easy—his combination of technique and flair had set the bar high.

 Round 2: Sabrina’s Turn to Shine

Next up was Sabrina Ionescu, the WNBA’s superstar guard who’s made a name for herself with her deadly shooting range and ability to take over games when it counts. The pressure was on for Sabrina to match Curry’s score, but she handled it like a pro. From the very first rack, Sabrina found her rhythm. Her smooth, quick release was on full display as she knocked down shot after shot.

Sabrina Ionescu, Stephen Curry discuss 'gravity' of 3-point contest

One of the most impressive things about Ionescu’s performance was her ability to adjust to the deeper shots—something that could’ve been a major challenge for any player, but especially one who doesn’t typically play from NBA distance. However, Sabrina’s skills aren’t confined to the WNBA arc; she was making those deep balls look effortless. With every swish, she seemed to grow more and more confident, showing everyone why she’s widely regarded as one of the best shooters in women’s basketball.

By the time she finished her final rack, Ionescu had accumulated 20 points, not far behind Curry’s 22. While she didn’t quite match Curry’s mark, her performance was still exceptional, proving once again that she’s capable of hanging with the best.

Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionescu Set To Make History With 3-Point Shootout  At All-Star Weekend | News | BET

The Tension Builds: Who Will Take the Crown?

As both players finished their rounds, the tension in the arena was palpable. The scoreboard flashed: Curry – 22 vs. Ionescu – 20. While Curry’s score was impressive, Sabrina was just two points behind, and she showed no signs of backing down. With the competition this close, it felt like anything could happen in the final round.

The question now was: Could Sabrina go higher? Could Curry keep his crown? The crowd was buzzing with excitement, eager to see if anyone could topple Curry’s legendary shooting skills.

Steph Curry vs Sabrina Ionescu 3-point challenge: format and rules  explained - AS USA

 Round 3: The Final Showdown

The final round was where the true drama unfolded. As both players took to the court for their last shots, the atmosphere in the arena was electric. Curry, as expected, stepped up with calm confidence, sinking bucket after bucket. However, Ionescu, determined to close the gap, brought her best game, knocking down several deep threes in rapid succession.

In a moment of pure brilliance, Sabrina Ionescu hit three consecutive money balls from NBA-range. The crowd went wild, and the tension in the building was almost unbearable. Could this be enough to push her past Curry? Unfortunately for Ionescu, time ran out just as she was heating up, and while her final tally was just shy of Curry’s score, she proved she could compete with the best.

Watch: Sabrina Ionescu hits Steph Curry's 'night night' celebration

 The Final Verdict: Curry Takes the Crown… Just

At the end of the challenge, Stephen Curry narrowly came out on top with a final score of 22 points, edging out Sabrina Ionescu, who finished with 20 points. While Curry may have claimed the win, there’s no denying that this challenge was an incredible display of shooting talent from both players. Curry might have taken the crown this time, but Sabrina’s performance showed that she is more than capable of going toe-to-toe with the best shooters in the world.

 Conclusion: A Thrilling Duel for the Ages

The STEPHEN vs. SABRINA 3-Point Challenge lived up to the hype, delivering a performance that was full of excitement, jaw-dropping shots, and heart-stopping moments. Curry, with his well-established legacy as the greatest shooter of all time, showed why he’s at the top of the mountain. But Sabrina Ionescu, with her fearless shooting and competitive fire, made it clear that she’s a force to be reckoned with in the world of basketball.

 

While Curry may have claimed the win this time, the real winners were the fans, who got to witness two of basketball’s best go head-to-head in an unforgettable showdown. This challenge wasn’t just about winning—it was about showcasing the incredible talent of both players and proving that when it comes to 3-point shooting, there’s a whole new wave of sharpshooters taking over the game.