Reigning WNBA champion Sabrina Ionescu joins Allie Quigley as the only WNBA players in HISTORY to win multiple 3-point shootouts

Sabrina Ionescu continues to carve her name into the annals of basketball greatness, and this time, it’s in the sharp-shooting spotlight. The reigning WNBA champion and New York Liberty guard joined rarefied air when she clinched her second 3-point contest title, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Allie Quigley as the only players in league history to win the prestigious event multiple times. For Ionescu, whose blend of confidence, poise, and sniper-like precision has already captivated fans across the WNBA, this latest accolade is not only a testament to her shooting prowess but also a bold declaration of her legacy as one of the game’s elite.

When Sabrina Ionescu stepped into the spotlight at the WNBA All-Star Weekend, she didn’t just aim to participate—she aimed to dominate. Her first win in the 3-point shootout had already made waves, especially when she famously shattered the all-time record with a jaw-dropping 37 out of 40 points, including 20 consecutive made shots, during the 2023 edition of the contest. It was a performance that transcended the WNBA and drew admiration from fans and players across the basketball world, including the NBA. Many considered it the most dominant shooting display ever witnessed in a timed contest format. So when she returned for another go, the pressure wasn’t just on the competition—it was on her to prove she wasn’t a one-hit wonder.

And true to form, Ionescu delivered. With calm composure and laser focus, she worked through each rack with deadly efficiency, building momentum as she fed off the crowd’s energy. Her footwork was flawless, her release quick and consistent, and her accuracy nearly mechanical. It was a masterclass in repetition, rhythm, and mental fortitude. By the final rack, it was clear to everyone watching that they were witnessing greatness again. And when the final ball swished through the net, confirming her as the winner once more, Ionescu didn’t erupt in wild celebration. She simply smiled—a quiet nod to the preparation and competitive fire that brought her there.

This latest win solidified Ionescu’s status in league history. Only Allie Quigley, a Chicago Sky legend and one of the most respected sharpshooters the WNBA has ever seen, had previously managed the feat of winning multiple 3-point contests. Quigley’s titles in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022 set the gold standard for consistent excellence, making her a beloved figure in league circles. For Ionescu to enter that echelon, especially at this relatively early point in her career, speaks volumes about her talent and dedication. She’s not just keeping pace with the best—she’s redefining what excellence looks like.

The significance of this achievement extends beyond individual hardware. It reflects a broader narrative about how the women’s game continues to evolve and gain respect. The 3-point shootout is not merely a sideshow event. It is a platform where the world witnesses the purest form of shooting skill, stripped of defenders and clock management. For players like Ionescu, it is a canvas to display the art of basketball—where mechanics, focus, and muscle memory all converge in beautiful synchronicity. And when she performs at this level, it draws comparisons not just within the WNBA, but across all of basketball.

There’s an undeniable ripple effect when players like Ionescu excel. Young girls across the country—and increasingly, around the world—watch her and see what’s possible. They don’t just see a talented athlete; they see someone who confidently owns the moment. Someone who doesn’t just play the game but elevates it. Ionescu’s success in this contest serves as a beacon of what can be achieved through preparation, grit, and belief. Her dominance inspires the next wave of hoopers, letting them know that greatness isn’t reserved for a select few—it’s attainable with the right mindset and work ethic.

Even more impressive is how seamlessly Ionescu has integrated these shooting accolades into her broader career narrative. She’s not a specialist who only thrives in exhibitions. She’s a complete player who leads her team with purpose. Her championship run with the New York Liberty further confirms that she’s more than just a hot hand—she’s a winner. Her vision, passing ability, and court leadership make her one of the most versatile players in the league. Yet even in a star-studded lineup featuring Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, Ionescu’s sharp-shooting remains her superpower—the weapon that can change the flow of any game in an instant.

What sets Ionescu apart is her ability to remain grounded despite the accolades. Whether she’s draining logo threes in front of a sold-out crowd or calmly nailing 20 in a row during a 3-point contest, her demeanor remains strikingly composed. That mental toughness—often overlooked in flashy highlight reels—is what separates good shooters from the truly great. It’s not just about mechanics; it’s about replicating success under pressure. In that regard, Ionescu is a savant. Her ability to stay locked in, even as the stakes grow higher, is a quality that championship teams are built around.

Of course, joining Allie Quigley in the history books naturally sparks the question—can she surpass her? Quigley’s four titles remain a high bar, and maintaining this level of dominance year after year is a daunting challenge. But if anyone seems poised to rewrite that record, it’s Ionescu. With age on her side and a hunger that hasn’t waned, she has both the drive and the skillset to keep racking up trophies. Every contest she enters from now on won’t just be about winning—it’ll be about legacy. And knowing Ionescu, that’s precisely the kind of pressure she relishes.

This achievement also adds another layer to the ongoing evolution of the WNBA. The league has been undergoing a period of significant growth—higher TV ratings, increased media coverage, rising attendance, and expanding investment from major sponsors. Players like Ionescu are at the forefront of this momentum. Her crossover appeal—helped by her connection to the late Kobe Bryant and her well-documented college career at Oregon—makes her one of the league’s most marketable stars. When she performs at a high level, it doesn’t just elevate her profile—it brings more eyes to the league.

The league’s embrace of individual skills contests like the 3-point shootout also reflects a smart strategic direction. These events provide platforms for athletes to shine in ways that resonate with casual fans and highlight-reel junkies alike. They strip the game to its most exciting components and allow individual brilliance to shine. Ionescu’s continued excellence in these contests gives the WNBA a storyline that carries across seasons, one that reinforces the league’s growing reputation for skill, flair, and star power.

For now, Ionescu can relish the honor of sharing the podium with Allie Quigley—a true icon in her own right. But make no mistake: Ionescu is writing her own chapter, one that seems destined to be filled with more milestones, more rings, and more clutch performances under the brightest lights. Her second 3-point shootout title is not a footnote—it’s a headline. It’s a reminder that greatness doesn’t happen by accident; it’s earned through dedication, preparation, and an unshakable belief in one’s abilities.

In an era where women’s basketball is finally starting to get the attention it has long deserved, Sabrina Ionescu is among those leading the charge. She’s not just participating in history—she’s making it. With every shot, every title, and every moment she commands the spotlight, she pushes the game forward. And if this latest 3-point crown is any indication, she’s only just beginning.

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