The first-ever NBA vs. WNBA 3-point battle definitely delivered in every way possible.
It featured Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry up against New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu, two of the best shooters in their respective leagues.
Ionescu nearly topped Curry in the matchup as she was shooting from the NBA 3-point line, which is about 12 to 18 inches farther from the WNBA line depending on the area of the floor.
The commentary during the matchup was something that caught the eye of viewers as fans became upset with TNT broadcaster Kenny Smith and his suggestion after Curry had only beaten Ionescu by three points.
“She should have shot it from the women’s line,” the former Houston Rockets guard said. “That would have been a fair contest. I still support Sabrina. But she should have shot it from at the women shoot from.”
Did Sabrina Ionescu shoot the lights out from NBA range last night? Yes.
Did Sabrina Ionescu use a WNBA regulation sized basketball? Yes.Did Kenny Smith have to point that out while the NBA is clearly trying to promote & uplift women’s sports? No.
— Coach Russo (@MrRussoHealth) February 18, 2024
“She should have shot from the line. There is a women’s tee in golf and there is a men’s tee for a reason,” he added.
Smith said he wanted Ionescu to shoot from where she shoots from in the WNBA.
His commentary was met with backlash:
I don’t understand the logic behind the wnba ball being a sign of Ionescu having an advantage?? If Steph shot with the wnba ball he 100% would have done worse
