Ionescu wins 3-point contest, Cloud claims skills competition in Liberty All-Star sweep
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Sabrina Ionescu won the 3-point contest and her New York Liberty teammate Natasha Cloud was the skills champion at All-Star Friday night. Ionescu, who won the title in 2023 with a record performance, had a strong final round, scoring 30 points. It was less than her record-breaking effort of 37 two years ago when she made 25 of 27 shots — the most ever in either the WNBA or NBA.
Playing the All-Star Game at home creates special feeling for Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever players
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell spent last week tamping down the All-Star excitement. First, she had to play some crucial games. She finally had a chance Friday to show how she felt about playing Saturday’s game on her home court. Her eyes opened wide, the trademark grin stretched across her face and the words started flying out of her mouth. Not all home All-Star Games are created equal. Just ask some of the players who’ve been there and done that. But for the eight-year veteran who finally made her first playoff appearance last year, this one will be special.
Caitlin Clark is still having an impact on WNBA All-Star Game even though she won’t play
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark bounced a ball, joined a team huddle and gave one of her All-Star teammate’s shots a playful thumbs down before gingerly lobbing her own half-court heave Friday. It may be the most demanding action anyone sees out of Clark this weekend in Indianapolis. Nobody envisioned the Indiana Fever’s biggest star missing the All-Star festivities with another injury. But even as Clark sits this one out, she remains the center of attention. From the 30-story, larger-than-life image covering Indianapolis’ JW Marriott Hotel to the wraps around the city’s maze of skywalks, Clarks seems every bit as in demand — maybe even more — than any other All-Star.