Players suited up for a pair of events ahead of the main game on Saturday; New York Liberty duo takes everything home
Before the WNBA All-Star Game takes place Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana, players participated in the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge and the WNBA STARRY® 3-Point Contest on Friday. The night ended with two New York Liberty teammates winning the events, as Natasha Cloud took the Skills title and Sabrina Ionescu earned her second 3-Point Contest trophy.
„It means everything. The last time I was here in (Indianapolis) against Steph (Curry), I lost, so I felt like I had to come back and redeem myself“, said Ionescu, who headlined the first-ever NBA vs. WNBA three-point contest against Curry during the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, also in Indianapolis.
In addition to being recognized as the best in their category, the winner of each challenge took home prize money, with Cloud earning $55,000 and Ionescu $60,000.
Cloud dedicated the money to putting a down payment on a house with her partner and teammate Isabelle Harrison, while Ionescu said she would split the prize with Washington Mystics rookie Sonia Citron—who also competed in the 3-Point Contest—and her own foundation, SI20.
“I told Sonia that I would give her half if I won, when we were sitting on the bench. Being the only rookie, she was nervous, and I was nervous for her. So, I obviously have to hold up my end of the bargain,” Ionescu told reporters at the end of the event. “So, half is gonna go to her. I gotta text her and let her know that I’m gonna give her half just for participating.
