While Sabrina Ionescu averages 19 points with 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game in the NBA playoffs this year, what’s disappointing is that she has been here before, when she played against the Las Vegas Aces. Hence, going into the game trying to win her first title could all end in frustration if she doesn’t execute it well. And this is where the NBA star Steph Curry motivates her to do better.

On Friday, Ionescu was present in a media chat session when she revealed that she “didn’t sleep last night” and only for “3 hours two nights” ago. Therefore, the reporters questioned what she occupied herself with when she couldn’t go back to sleep. “Watch film? Dive into basketball?” Well yes, but very Stephen Curry specific.

“I watch a lot of Steph Curry highlights. I do that for fun… been doing that all year. It just hypes me up. Probably, keeps me from falling back asleep which isn’t the best thing. But… you know I… I’m ready. So whatever that means sleep or no sleep I’m ready to go,” Ionescu stated.

Not much of a shocker considering the admiration she has for the 4x champion. Previously too, she had revealed that Curry was like a mentor.

According to Ionescu, she was eight to ten years old when the Baby-faced Assassin was drafted in the NBA. She looked up to him as a mentor and divulged “He was my favorite. Being able to see the athlete he is, the person he is, it’s cool. He is obviously a great person to look up to.” The two also entered a three-pointing shooting contest which the Golden State Warriors’ star won by a 29-26 margin earlier this year.

But they have come to share a good bond. One of not just Ionescu being the admirer, but also of Curry being loudly appreciative of the Liberty star.

Steph Curry sends a funny voice note to Sabrina Ionescu

The Minnesota Lynx were tied with the New York Liberty at 77 during game 3 when only a second was left in the fourth quarter. While Breanna Stewart had helped the Liberty reach that point by scoring 22 out of the 45 points in the second half, it was now up to Ionescu to get her team to the finish line. When the ball was passed to Ionescu she looked to find an open space and took a back step. What followed next was a moment to remember.

With a second left on the clock, the 26-year-old decided to take a 28-feet three-pointer. 80-77 the score tallied and the franchise overall took a 2-1 lead against the Lynx. Curry, among the many to be mesmerized by the moment, sent a message to her and Sab reveales it was one of her favorites.

“Steph Curry left me a really funny voice memo of him just like screaming into the phone. And that was funny because we’ve just had a great relationship and he’s been a big mentor of mine, and obviously through these Finals, just helping me mentally and physically stay ready and locked in,” Ionescu stated.

Hopefully, Curry will get the chance to send a voice message again as Ionescu & Co. hold the Lynx in a do-or-die situation.