The WNBA confirmed Thursday that New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu and Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark were both invited to compete in the 2024 WNBA All-Star 3-Point Contest but declined to participate, according to the Associated Press.
During a press conference Friday, Clark explained her decision and also hinted at a future appearance in the event.
"I think just rest," Clark said. "I've been playing basketball for a year straight, it's not an easy thing to just show up to and shoot off of a rack. It's not something I've ever done before. It's not something I've had a lot of time to practice, I've been focusing on helping my team win games.
"So I think just enjoying this break, I think there's going to be plenty of opportunities for me to do that at some point… I need a break, and I need to take some time for myself to enjoy what I want to do."
Ionescu registered 37 points to win last year's challenge, breaking both the WNBA and NBA records. Meanwhile, Clark came into the league as the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer and is known for her impressive shooting range.
Throwback to Sabrina Ionescu's record-breaking performance in last year's 3-point contest!
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 18, 2024
🔥 25-of-27 shooting
🔥 20 made shots in a row
🔥 Made BOTH money ball shots
🔥 3 perfect ball racks
🔥 37 pointspic.twitter.com/liTRhc9SCx
Ionescu has made 68 3-pointers so far this season while shooting 34.5% from beyond the arc. Clark has made 71 3-pointers at a 32.7% clip.
Here are the players who will be participating in this weekend's 3-Point Contest along with their 3-point percentages:
- Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream: 36%
- Jonquel Jones, New York Liberty: 39.6%
- Kayla McBride, Minnesota Lynx: 42.7%
- Marina Mabrey, Connecticut Sun: 34.8%
- Stefanie Dolson, Washington Mystics: 48.5%
While she is not competing Friday, Ionescu did participate in a different 3-point contest earlier this year. She challenged Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry during NBA All-Star weekend, marking the first ever collaboration between players from both leagues.
Curry beat Ionescu, 29-26, but they said afterward it was likely not the last time they would participate in such an event. It was a historic happening, and there were rumors Clark could potentially join the two next year. But unfortunately for WNBA fans, the Clark vs. Ionescu battle will have to wait a little longer.
Both Clark and Ionescu will participate in Saturday's All-Star Game, however. Ionescu will play with Team USA while Clark is suiting up for Team WNBA. Friday's Skills Challenge tips off a 9 p.m. ET in Phoenix, while the All-Star Game is set for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET.
