No Rematch for Curry vs. Ionescu at 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend
The highly anticipated rematch between Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu at the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend will not be happening. The NBA announced on Thursday that the 3-point shooting event, which was one of the standout moments of last year’s All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, will not be part of the lineup in San Francisco. Despite extensive talks and the logical appeal of a rematch, especially since the event is taking place on Curry’s home floor and Ionescu is a Bay Area native, the league decided against it.
Behind the Decision
Talks to bring back the event had been ongoing for weeks, even extending into All-Star Week. Both Curry and Ionescu are high-profile stars, and a rematch seemed like a natural fit. Curry, a native of the Bay Area, and Ionescu, who plays for the WNBA champion New York Liberty, both expressed a strong desire for the rematch. However, Mike Bass, an NBA spokesman, explained, "We weren’t able to land on a plan we thought would raise the bar off of last year’s special moment. We all agreed not to proceed and will instead keep the focus on All-Star Sunday’s new format."
The Original Event: A Historic Moment
The 3-point shooting competition between Curry and Ionescu last year was a historic first in the league’s All-Star Weekend. The event was not only a thrilling display of skill but also a significant moment for gender equality in basketball. Both players are known for their exceptional 3-point shooting, with Curry holding several records and Ionescu breaking the NCAA record for 3-pointers in a career. Curry won the event 29-26, and the competition raised funds for their respective foundations, adding a charitable dimension to the event.
Plans for a New Format
Despite the absence of the Curry vs. Ionescu rematch, the NBA is focusing on innovative ways to enhance the All-Star Weekend. The league is introducing a new format for All-Star Sunday, which will feature a mini-tournament. The exact details of this new format are not yet clear, but the NBA is committed to keeping the event fresh and exciting. The decision to forgo the rematch was made to ensure that this year’s All-Star Weekend stands out and builds on the success of the previous year.
Potential Changes and Future Opportunities
Curry and Ionescu had discussed potential changes to the format, including a 2-on-2 competition. Curry had expressed interest in teaming up with his former Warriors teammate Klay Thompson, while Ionescu was open to partnering with WNBA rookie of the year Caitlin Clark. However, these talks did not come to fruition, and the NBA decided to explore other options. Ionescu, after last year’s event, had stated, "I think he has a partner in mind that’s going to join him. So, I’m open to any partner that could help me win and take that belt that he has up front and center away from him."
Looking Forward
While the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend will not feature a Curry vs. Ionescu rematch, the league is committed to delivering a memorable and exciting event. The new format on All-Star Sunday is expected to bring fresh excitement to the weekend. Fans can look forward to innovative competitions and performances that will continue to showcase the best of basketball. The absence of the rematch does not diminish the impact of last year’s event, which remains a landmark moment in the history of the NBA All-Star Weekend.
