The New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu made history seven months ago when she hit an astounding 37 out of 40 possible points during the WNBA All Star Game. Ionescu shot 23/25 from the field and 2/2 on extra balls, resulting in an overall score of 25/27 and a total of 37 points. She also made the most consecutive shots in a row ever (20). This record is the best performance in a three point contest by men or women, ever. 

The entire basketball world was in awe of her performance. The previous WNBA record holder, Allie Quigley, tweeted, “UNBELIEVABLE!!! This record won’t ever be broken.” 

Another high-profile basketball player took note: the previous overall record holder, the Warrior’s own Stephen Curry. Curry set the previous record in 2021, and tweeted, “RIDICULOUS!”

Ionescu imitated his ‘Lights-Out’ pose while taking photos with her trophy, and challenged him to a 3-point contest during NBA All Star Weekend, which is (at the time of writing) this coming weekend. 

Curry agreed, and from the beginning of this week, fans have been able to vote on their anticipated winner. Even several of Curry’s teammates have weighed in (with Curry’s “Splash Brother” Klay Thompson favoring Ionescu). 

Though the results are not out yet (as of writing) as to the winner of the contest, we here at the Viking firmly believe that truly nobody can lose in this competition. 

There are several aspects of this contest that truly capture the essence of sports. First, this contest isn’t for the financial benefit of either player; instead, each has chosen a charity that the NBA will donate to for each three made. Ionescu picked the SI20 foundation, an organization committed to helping kids gain access to sports, and Curry chose his own charity, which focuses on helping raise literacy rates and provide access to good nutrition for young kids. 

Another very valuable thing about this competition is that Ionescu is using it as an opportunity to advance not only her career, but also the view of the WNBA in general, even opting to shoot from the NBA’s three point line, which is slightly farther than the WNBA one. 

“Knowing that I had the opportunity to kind of pick what line I wanted to shoot from, it was a no-brainer,” Ionescu told reporters. “[I want to] continue to prove that we’re capable and willing. Wanted to continue to equal the playing field and doing so on the biggest stage.”

Steph’s eagerness to participate in the contest also speaks to his character, since, as arguably the most decorated modern NBA player, his engagement in the issue truly means a lot for women’s sports. 

Above all, this land breaking contest captures the essence in sports, as a competition not designed to tear down your opponent, but instead to prove to yourself and the world the extent of your skills and passion.