It’s no surprise that Sabrina Ionescu received an outpouring of support after her game-winning three-pointer during the WNBA Finals on Wednesday night. The New York Liberty star delivered one of the most memorable moments in recent WNBA history, sinking a deep three-pointer from nearly 30 feet out with just seconds remaining to break a tie and give her team a 2-1 lead over the Minnesota Lynx at Target Center.
The shot, which sealed the Liberty’s thrilling 80-77 victory, was the kind of clutch performance that only a few players in the league are capable of delivering. Ionescu, one of the best shooters in WNBA history, joined an elite group of players who can drain a long-range three under such high-pressure circumstances.
Among those players is Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, who is also known for her incredible shooting range.
In the NBA, the list of players who can hit such a shot is just as short, with Stephen Curry sitting firmly at the top.
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The Golden State Warriors superstar, widely regarded as the best shooter in basketball history, was among the many who reached out to Ionescu after her heroic performance. But unlike most, Curry sent her something more personal: a special voice memo.
“I would say Steph Curry left me a really funny voice memo of him just screaming into the phone,” Ionescu revealed to ESPN’s Malika Andrews on SportsCenter. “That was funny because we’ve had a great relationship. He’s been a big mentor of mine, especially through this Finals, helping me mentally and physically stay ready and locked in. Excited to get one more.”
The relationship between Ionescu and Curry goes beyond admiration from afar. The two have developed a close bond, strengthened by shared experiences and a mutual respect for each other’s games.
Ionescu’s style of play — with her deadly shooting, court vision, and competitive fire — has often drawn comparisons to Curry’s, making their connection all the more fitting.
Their relationship was on full display earlier this year during NBA All-Star Weekend in February, when they faced off in the inaugural “Stephen vs. Sabrina Three-Point Challenge.” The showdown between the two elite shooters captivated the crowd as both players lit up the nets.
Curry narrowly edged out Ionescu, winning 29-26 in a thrilling contest that further solidified their friendship.
For Ionescu, Curry’s enthusiastic encouragement after her clutch performance in the Finals undoubtedly stood out among the messages of support she received.
As one of her mentors, Curry has been instrumental in helping her stay focused and composed during the high-stakes atmosphere of the WNBA Finals.
With her incredible shot, Ionescu has now put the Liberty just one win away from their first-ever championship in franchise history. Game 4 of the WNBA Finals will tip off on Friday night at Target Center, and the Liberty will look to close out the series and secure their long-awaited title.
As Ionescu continues to make her mark in the WNBA, she does so with the support of one of the game’s greatest, Stephen Curry, cheering her on every step of the way.
