No Curry-Ionescu Rematch at All-Star Weekend
In a surprising turn of events, neither Stephen Curry nor Sabrina Ionescu will participate in a 3-point shooting contest at this year’s NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, according to multiple sources. Last year, the two stars stole the show in Indianapolis with a historic first-ever men-versus-women 3-point shootout, which Curry narrowly won with a score of 29 to Ionescu’s 26. This groundbreaking competition was a major highlight of All-Star Saturday and had many fans and officials eagerly anticipating a rematch. However, the hopes for a repeat performance have been dashed, leaving both Curry and Ionescu’s fans disappointed.
Behind the Scenes: The Negotiations
The decision not to proceed with the rematch comes after extensive negotiations and attempts to find a format that would surpass the success of last year’s event. According to NBA spokesman Mike Bass, the league was unable to "land on a plan we thought would raise the bar off of last year’s special moment." Both Curry and Ionescu were not interested in a simple rematch; they wanted to expand the competition to include WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark and possibly Curry’s former teammate Klay Thompson. However, Clark, through her sports agency, declined to participate, stating she "wants her first 3-point contest to be at WNBA All-Star in Indianapolis this summer." This refusal effectively ended the discussions and plans for an expanded competition.
The Hopes and Hype
Despite the setback, the excitement surrounding a potential Curry-Ionescu rematch was palpable. Last year’s competition not only generated significant buzz but also highlighted the talent and competitive spirit of both athletes. Curry, often referred to as the greatest shooter in NBA history and the all-time 3-point king, has deep ties to San Francisco as the face of the Golden State Warriors. Ionescu, a rising star in the WNBA for the New York Liberty, grew up in Walnut Creek, California, in the Bay Area. The two athletes had previously hinted at a rematch, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had even expressed his enthusiasm about the idea during a press conference in Mexico City in November. Silver’s comments indicated that both Curry and Ionescu were looking forward to the rematch and were already discussing ways to improve the format.
The Broader Impact
The cancelation of the rematch is a significant development, given the positive reception and the efforts to promote gender equality in sports. The 3-point shootout between Curry and Ionescu last year was a step forward in breaking down barriers and showcasing the skills of female athletes on a major stage. The absence of this contest at this year’s All-Star Weekend may be seen as a missed opportunity to build on that momentum. However, the league and the athletes involved are committed to finding new ways to engage fans and celebrate the best talent in basketball. The focus will now shift to the other All-Star Weekend events, including the skills challenge, traditional 3-point shootout, and dunk contest, which are scheduled to take place on Saturday night.
Curiosity and Uncertainty
Sabrina Ionescu, in a recent interview with USA Today, expressed her excitement about attending All-Star Weekend but remained uncertain about her participation in the 3-point contest. She mentioned, "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." Ionescu’s comments reflect a sense of optimism and a commitment to finding other opportunities to showcase her talents. As a native of the Bay Area, she is looking forward to the event and the chance to reconnect with her family and fans.
Looking Forward
While the absence of a Curry-Ionescu rematch is a letdown, the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco promises to be an exciting event nonetheless. Stephen Curry, an 11-time All-Star, will play on Shaquille O’Neal’s team alongside LeBron James and Kevin Durant in the new All-Star tournament format. The weekend’s other events, including the skills challenge, 3-point shootout, and dunk contest, are expected to draw large crowds and generate significant interest. As the basketball world converges on San Francisco, there is no doubt that the weekend will be filled with memorable moments and thrilling performances.
