There are certain shots that can totally change a player’s game. For basketball, the one in focus, is not flashy, but it’s precise, rare, and tough when pulled off. Yes, it’s the floater, and guess what? Sabrina Ionescu has absolutely nailed it! The way she’s mastered it by this season and that just might be what took her game to the next level in the 2024 season. And she had the help of her friend and 3-point shooting opponent, Stephen Curry.

It began when the New York Liberty star went through a season-ending injury during her rookie season that really changed her approach. She spoke about how her left foot injury disrupted her ability to properly execute the floater – which typically has you taking off on your left foot if you’re right-handed. “I’ve always had it, like through college. I think having an injury on my left foot derailed me from being able to use that,” she explained.

It must’ve been frustrating for her because, as she put it, the floater is often an easier shot than trying to get all the way to the basket. But the good part now is that she is back to full strength. She has reintegrated it into her game – and it’s clearly paying off. And she credits the Golden State Warriors star for it. She shared how she’s watched the ‘Golden Boy’, learning how he uses the floater to his advantage. 

The Liberty point guard said, “Stephen Curry does it the best. I have watched how he continues to attack the paint, get to the rim, use his body, but also just get to the floater.” It’s a smart strategy because a floater can be quicker and ‘unpredictable,’ catching the defense off-guard. And who better to show her the trick than Stephen Curry himself? But Ionescu didn’t forget to mention that it is not as easy as it looks. Fatigue, timing, and even the ball’s rotation all play a role in getting it just right.

Luckily, she has had this shot in her bag for quite some time. The former Oregon Duck even reminisced about how she learned it when she was younger, playing with her brother’s team. The only time she could get a shot off anywhere near the rim was a floater. But after the injury, she reminded herself how to use it effectively.

The 3× WNBA All-Star faced a setback in a game against the Atlanta Dream in 2020 when she rolled her ankle after stepping on the foot of Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, injuring her left foot. But this made her realize how defenses were playing her, and she could have shot the floater. Hence, in the offseason, Sabrina Ionescu focused on getting comfortable taking off on one foot again, and she’s glad she made that happen. 

Sabrina Ionescu’s floater shines in 2024 season

Talking about the 2024 season, the WNBA star’s floater has been a highlight. The game against the Los Angeles Sparks, for example. She pulled off her floater multiple times, ending with a season-high 28 points. The guard consistently found ways to break through the defense, and the floater played a big part in that.

Another standout moment was against the Chicago Sky. In the fourth quarter, with just minutes left on the clock, the Olympic gold medalist drove to the basket, and instead of going all the way to the restricted area, she went for her signature floater. It worked perfectly. And we saw another one in the matchup with the Phoenix Mercury. 

The 2x youth gold medalist finished the game with 22 points and used floater against taller defenders. The beauty of the floater is in its spontaneity, and Ionescu has cracked it very well. So, as she moves for what’s ahead, the floater has undoubtedly become a key part of her game. The injury surely took the move away from her, but now, it’s back, and it’s better!