SAN FRANCISCO — Fans looking forward to a rematch between Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu in the 3-point contest during the NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco will be disappointed. Despite a thrilling contest last year in Indianapolis, the two stars will not compete again this weekend, as confirmed by league sources to The Athletic.
According to NBA spokesman Mike Bass, the league couldn't devise a plan that would surpass last year’s memorable event. "We agreed not to proceed and will instead keep the focus on All-Star Sunday’s new format," Bass stated. League insiders also revealed that both Curry and Ionescu were not interested in a direct rematch. They aimed to expand the contest by including WNBA star Caitlin Clark and possibly Curry's former teammate Klay Thompson. However, Clark's decision to participate in her first 3-point contest at the WNBA All-Star in Indianapolis this summer significantly hindered these plans.
Despite efforts from NBA officials to resurrect the Curry-Ionescu matchup, including the possibility of hosting it on Sunday during a break in the reformatted All-Star Game, no agreement was reached. This development surprised many due to prior statements from the stars and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who had expressed optimism about a repeat performance.
Last year’s contest saw Curry narrowly defeat Ionescu with a score of 29 to 26, captivating audiences more than the regular 3-point contest. Both athletes have ties to the Bay Area, with Curry being a pivotal figure for the Golden State Warriors and Ionescu having grown up in Walnut Creek, California. They previously hinted at a rematch, and Silver had stated that more rounds would be included in future contests.
Ionescu told USA Today earlier this month that while she would attend All-Star Weekend, her participation in a contest against Curry remained uncertain. "Whether it happens this year or in the future, we both have a lot of basketball left, so we’ll definitely get to it at some point," said Ionescu.
Although Curry, an 11-time All-Star, will not participate in the regular 3-point contest, he will join Shaquille O’Neal’s team alongside LeBron James and Kevin Durant in the new All-Star tournament format. The league will still conduct its skills challenge, traditional 3-point shootout, and dunk contest on Saturday night.
For more information, check out the NBA All-Star Weekend participants and NBA Power Rankings to see how the teams are faring this season.
Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images
