Sabrina Ionescu Wins 3-Point Contest Again, Cloud Shines in Skills Challenge
It was a big night for the New York Liberty at WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis. Star guard Sabrina Ionescu won her second 3-point contest, while teammate Natasha Cloud claimed the skills competition title — making it a full sweep for the Liberty.
Ionescu scored 30 points in the final round to beat last year’s champion, Allisha Gray, while Cloud posted the fastest time in the obstacle course despite a few missed shots. Both players walked away with prize money and some unforgettable moments.
Ionescu Dominates From Deep Once Again
Sabrina Ionescu, who first won the WNBA 3-point contest in 2023 with a record-setting 37 points, returned this year with another top-tier performance. She scored 30 points in the final round, matching the second-highest score in event history and defeating Gray, who finished with 22.
“It’s fun. I was so excited for her,” Ionescu said, referring to teammate Cloud. “We were talking about it before we even came out here — about being able to participate in it together and cheer each other on.”
Though she didn’t match her jaw-dropping 2023 score (where she made 25 of 27 shots), Ionescu still proved why she’s one of the league’s best shooters.
Last year, she skipped the WNBA event to prepare for the Olympics, but took part in the NBA All-Star shootout against Stephen Curry — a contest she narrowly lost. This time, she made sure to bring home the trophy and joked, “I called Steph and showed off the trophy.”
Natasha Cloud Claims Skills Title in First All-Star Appearance
For Natasha Cloud, this All-Star weekend was extra special. In her first-ever All-Star appearance in her 11-year WNBA career, she not only competed — she won. Cloud finished the skills course in 36.4 seconds, just ahead of Seattle’s Erica Wheeler, who clocked in at 37.5.
Cloud didn’t let three missed corner shots stop her. She made up the time by moving quickly through the rest of the obstacle course. After her win, she hugged Ionescu and her girlfriend and Liberty teammate Isabelle Harrison, saying, “You’re gonna get that house,” referencing the couple’s future plans.
Thanks to sponsorships and league bonuses, Cloud earned a total of $57,575. Ionescu brought in $62,575 and pledged to give half to rookie Sonia Citron, who had been nervous before the contest.
“I told Sonia that I would give her half if I won… I was nervous for her. Obviously, I have to hold up my end of the bargain,” Ionescu said.
Other Standouts and Near Misses
- Allisha Gray, last year’s 3-point and skills winner, made it to the final round of the shootout but didn’t defend her titles successfully.
- Kelsey Plum nearly made it through to the finals but was edged out after Gray’s clutch final shots.
- Lexie Hull, filling in for the injured Caitlin Clark, scored 20 points and finished fourth.
- Sonia Citron, a Washington rookie, scored 19 and gained experience on the big stage.
In the skills event, several players didn’t make it past the first round, including Courtney Williams, Skylar Diggins, and Gray, who struggled with missed passes.
What’s Next?
With All-Star Weekend wrapped up, the WNBA returns to regular-season play. But for Ionescu and Cloud, this weekend was about more than just stats — it was about friendship, fun, and making the most of the spotlight.
And for the New York Liberty? It was a night to remember.
Source: AP News – Ionescu wins 3-point contest, Cloud claims skills competition in Liberty All-Star sweep
