The much-anticipated 3-Point Contest showdown between NBA star Stephen Curry and WNBA standout Sabrina Ionescu is set to make a grand return, this time with an exciting twist.
Debuting during the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, the contest featured Curry and Ionescu going head-to-head, with Curry ultimately clinching victory in the inaugural competition. However, Ionescu’s impressive performance kept fans on the edge of their seats, making it a resounding success.
Stephen Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu 3-Point Challenge format
Now, in 2025, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the contest is set to evolve into a thrilling 2-vs-2 matchup. Curry will team up with fellow “Splash Brother” Klay Thompson to face off against Ionescu and Caitlin Clark.
Charania’s report revealed the plans: “At this point, Stephen Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu is very likely for next year… I’m told, with Caitlin Clark and potentially Klay Thompson, to make it 2 vs. 2 — Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, his Splash Brother.”
The excitement doesn’t end there. The Warriors are hosting the NBA All-Star Weekend in 2025, giving hometown fans the chance to witness Curry and Thompson’s partnership in action.
Ionescu, entering her fifth WNBA season, will join forces with Clark, the highly touted expected No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
The original 3-Point Contest format from 2024 will make a return, featuring five racks with five balls each, including the coveted money ball. Additionally, players will have two “STARRY Range” shots from 29 feet and nine inches away.
During the previous showdown, Ionescu chose to shoot from the NBA 3-point line, using WNBA balls, while Curry opted for NBA balls.
“I’d rather go down fighting for what I believe I’m capable of doing,” expressed Ionescu regarding her decision to shoot from the NBA line.
In the inaugural contest, both Curry and Ionescu showcased their incredible shooting prowess. While Curry emerged victorious with 29 points, Ionescu’s impressive tally of 26 points ensured she was among the top shooters of the evening.
Fans eagerly await the 2025 edition of this thrilling contest, anticipating another exhilarating showdown between these sharpshooters as they aim to claim 3-point supremacy once again.