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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Do you remember last season’s Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu iconic face-off in the first-ever NBA vs. WNBA 3-point challenge? If not, then here is what happened. At the 2024 State Farm All-Star Saturday Night Curry and Ionescu came out strong, where she scored 26 points with a blazing start. She made her first seven shots, impressively hitting 8-of-9 money balls. Despite slowing down at the end, her score matched the best round in the Starry 3-Point Contest. Curry, however, was just as deadly, sinking two perfect racks and needing a clutch finish. After missing the first shot of his final rack, Steph hit the next four to finish with 29 points and seal the victory.

In the 2023 WNBA All-Star 3-Point Contest, she scored a jaw-dropping 37 points, and that’s how the challenge sparked. Meanwhile, Curry, a two-time NBA champion in the event, accepted the challenge, and Ionescu responded enthusiastically. With both players dominating their respective leagues in three-point shooting, fans couldn’t help but wonder—would this dream matchup happen again?

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Will Stephen Curry & Sabrina Ionescu offer a rematch of their 3-point shootout to the NBA fans?

Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors legend, and Sabrina Ionescu, the WNBA champion with the New York Liberty, had one of the unique crossover between the NBA and WNBA. And it seemed like the perfect pair for a rematch this season. However, the stage was all set for a rematch in San Francisco this year, but it won’t happen.

Now, going back to the discussions for a rematch that has been ongoing for weeks, even as All-Star Weekend approached, everyone seemed on board with the idea. Curry’s home-court advantage and Ionescu’s Bay Area roots made it feel like a natural fit. She, a forever Warriors fan, had grown up watching Steph’s iconic shots from the stands. The storyline practically wrote itself.

However, despite these compelling reasons, a rematch won’t materialize. According to NBA spokesperson Mike Bass, they couldn’t come up with a plan that would top last year’s moment. “We all agreed not to proceed,” he explained. “We will instead keep the focus on All-Star Sunday’s new format.” The decision, although disappointing, shows the league’s desire to elevate the All-Star Weekend experience in different ways.

While both stars expressed interest in a rematch, the timing wasn’t right. Curry had been vocal about his desire to face Ionescu again, but the NBA ultimately shifted direction. Instead of repeating a formula, they’re opting for fresh ideas to captivate fans.

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Curry vs. Ionescu rematch—Is the NBA missing out on an epic showdown this season?

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Though a rematch won’t take place, the legacy of last year’s shootout still lingers. For now, fans will have to settle for a new chapter in All-Star Weekend, hoping for more thrilling moments. But do you know there was a chance for another iconic pairing?

What happened to Klay Thompson and Caitlin Clark’s 3-point shootout?

Last month fans were buzzing about the possibility of a Klay Thompson and Caitlin Clark 3-point shootout at NBA All-Star Weekend. The idea looked perfect: Thompson, the Dallas Mavs sharpshooter, reuniting with his Splash Brother, Stephen Curry, alongside Clark, the Indiana Fever guard. Imagine how big of an unforgettable event it could have been. Especially with Thompson closing his chapter in San Francisco. But that dream won’t come to life this year.

Thompson, ever the competitor, was excited about the potential shootout. He didn’t know the specifics, but he thought it would be “fun” to share the floor with Curry one more time in front of the Bay Area crowd. Indeed, a dream for every Warrior fan, right? But, as this final reunion of the Splash Brothers seemed like the ideal way to end his time at Chase Center, the plan fell apart. Yes, before it could materialize, a twist arrived. Caitlin Clark won’t be participating.

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According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Clark turned down the chance to compete in the All-Star 3-point contest. She expressed that she wants her first 3-point contest to happen at the WNBA. “Wants her first three-point contest to be at WNBA All-Star in Indianapolis this summer.” He tweeted. This means fans hoping to see the NBA-WNBA crossover event featuring Clark, Thompson, Curry, and Ionescu will have to wait.

For NBA fans, this news is a disappointment. Many had imagined an epic 3-point shootout, fueled by excitement for both leagues. A Curry-Thompson reunion, paired with Ionescu and Clark, could have attracted massive attention. Last year’s as we know Curry-Ionescu duel was a major hit, and now adding Thompson and Clark would’ve created a star-studded spectacle.

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However, Clark’s decision to hold off until WNBA All-Star Weekend is understandable. She wants to debut on her home turf in Indianapolis, where she has strong ties. Still, this setback marks a missed opportunity for NBA fans who were hoping for more thrilling moments this weekend.

For now, Warriors fans hoping for one last taste of the Splash Brothers together will have to wait. Thompson’s next appearance in Golden State will come on February 23, when the Mavericks face the Warriors for their final regular-season showdown.

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Curry vs. Ionescu rematch—Is the NBA missing out on an epic showdown this season?

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