Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis belonged to the New York Liberty. Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud swept the headline events during All-Star Weekend’s opening night: the three-point contest and the skills challenge. It’s a rare team sweep in the event’s short history. Only two other franchises have pulled that off before.
Sabrina Ionescu Reclaims Three-Point Title
Ionescu, who sat out last year, came back strong. She dropped 25 in the first round to reach the finals, then poured in 30 points to beat defending champ Allisha Gray, who finished with 22.
Sabrina hit 11 shots in a row and even nailed a deep triple, reminding fans of her 2023 record-setting 37-point performance. She admitted to feeling the pressure early on but steadied herself quickly. “30 is not too bad,” she joked after her win.
In a classy move, she pledged half of her $62,575 prize to rookie Sonia Citron for her gutsy performance, and the rest to her own SI20 Foundation. Citron, the only rookie in the contest, put up 19 in the opening round and clearly earned Ionescu’s respect.
Natasha Cloud Shines in Skills Challenge
Cloud edged Seattle’s Erica Wheeler by just 1.1 seconds in the final. Her time? 36.4 seconds, just ahead of Wheeler’s 37.5. She crushed both rounds with speed, precision, and sharp decision-making. The win was more than just bragging rights. Cloud took home a $55,000 prize, which she plans to put toward buying a house with her girlfriend and Liberty teammate Isabelle Harrison. And in classic Cloud fashion, she joked about sleeping with the trophy, a plan Harrison quickly vetoed.
Strong Performances All Around
Several others showed up strong. Allisha Gray, despite missing out on a win, earned an A- in ESPN’s grading. Kelsey Plum (22), Lexie Hull (20), and Sonia Citron (19) also made solid three-point showings. In the skills challenge, Courtney Williams (42 seconds) and Skylar Diggins (44.3) got eliminated early but brought solid energy to the court.
What This Really Means
The Liberty didn’t just win two trophies, they sent a message. Their depth runs deep, and their stars know how to rise in big moments.
Ionescu, now a two-time winner, reminded everyone why she’s one of the best shooters in WNBA history. Cloud proved she’s not just reliable, she’s fearless, calculated, and ready. Off the court, their bond showed too. Between Ionescu’s generosity and the team’s shared celebrations, fans saw a real connection. This wasn’t just about stats or cash, it was about character.
Road Ahead
Next up: the All-Star Game on Saturday night, Team Clark vs. Team Collier. With Indy hosting for the first time, and Liberty stars making noise, the fanbase is buzzing about what’s next for the season.
Final Word
Ionescu’s shooting spree and Cloud’s fast-break brilliance weren’t just good TV. They were proof that the Liberty are built for pressure. Built for moments that matter. And maybe, just maybe, built for a title run.
