PORTLAND, OR - MAY 20: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors poses for a photo with Oregon Ducks Basketball player, Sabrina Ionescu, after advancing to the NBA Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers during Game Four of the Western Conference Finals on May 20, 2019 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE

Kyrie 'pulling for' Ionescu over Curry in All-Star 3-point shootout

2 years ago

Noah Graham / National Basketball Association / Getty

New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu will have Kyrie Irving in her corner when she faces off against the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry in a 3-point competition at NBA All-Star Weekend this month.

In a video shared Monday by the NBA, Irving explained why he's rooting for Ionescu over Curry in the event.

"Two incredible shooters - incredible players, really. I don't want to disrespect their craft and how much hard work they put in," the Dallas Mavericks guard said. "I mean, that 3-point line doesn't even exist to them. They're all the way out to the 4-point line, 5-point line.

"But yeah, I'm pulling for Sabrina. No disrespect to you, Steph; I love you, big bro. But same time, you know, she got the record. She's coming to defend her title; you're coming to the competitive table to see if you can win. It's going to be interesting."

Ionescu made history during the 2023 WNBA All-Star Weekend by recording 37 points out of a possible 40 in the final round of the 3-point contest, setting a new record for both the WNBA and the NBA.