INDIANAPOLIS Natasha Cloud shot her shot early Friday, proclaiming that the opening of All-Star Weekend could be a clear sweep for the New York Liberty.
Cloud was first up, making her All-Star debut within the abilities problem, 10 years into her skilled profession. She was adopted by teammate Sabrina Ionescu within the 3-point shootout, and he or she predicted each Liberty guards would stroll away with {hardware}.
Had been attempting to do Liberty Biberty all evening tonight, Cloud stated.
And her proclamation was fulfilled.
Cloud set the tone within the abilities problem, recording the quickest time of 34.1 seconds within the first spherical. She aced the passing abilities and made sufficient jumpers to advance to the ultimate alongside Seattle Storm guard Erica Wheeler. Allisha Grey, Courtney Williams and Skylar Diggins missed the lower.
Wheeler went first within the second spherical because the challenger, posting an affordable 37.8 seconds, although the nook 3-pointer over the spinning wheel befuddled Wheeler all evening. Cloud had issue with the jumpers as nicely, however had about eight seconds left when she turned for dwelling with the outlet move and layup. She nailed the outlet move in a single try and raced to complete the layup with 1.1 seconds to spare, greeted instantly by a bear hug from Wheeler after which one other celebration with Ionescu.
As soon as I appeared up, I received 3 seconds, I stated, Dont smoke this layup, Cloud stated after profitable the occasion.
Ionescu stored up her finish of the discount within the second occasion. Kelsey Plum opened the 3-point shootout with a rating of twenty-two, childs play for the kind of performances Ionescu has produced on this showcase. Sonia Citron and Lexie Hull adopted with 19 and 20 apiece, placing minimal stress on the Liberty guard. Ionescu responded with a decent 25 regardless of lacking three moneyballs, securing her place within the last spherical.
Ionescu needed to go first within the last when Grey matched her rating of 25, and he or she set an enviable tempo. She didnt match the 20 photographs in a row she made in 2023, however she drained 12 consecutive, together with six moneyballs and a Starry brand shot, to take management. Ionescus command of the Starry ball (value three factors) was the separator. She made three of 4 brand photographs over two rounds, whereas Grey missed all 4.
Ionescus last rating of 30 ties Allie Quigley for the second-highest in WNBA historical past. Ionescu additionally joined Quigley because the contests solely multi-time winner. The New York guard remains to be two wins behind the not too long ago retired Quigleys 4.
That is the second consecutive season the WNBPA has partnered with Aflac to award the talents problem winner $55,000 the identical quantity given to the winner at NBA All-Star Weekend along with the $2,575 from the WNBA. Cloud instructed ESPNs Holly Rowe after the occasion that if she gained, she deliberate to make use of the prize cash for a down cost on a home. Upon receiving her trophy, Cloud checked out her associate Isabelle Harrison on the sideline who was rocking the No. 9 Cloud Liberty jersey and stated, Child, have been gonna get that home. Sabreena Service provider
Wheeler has had an itinerant WNBA profession. She went undrafted in 2013 and didnt debut till 2015, however she latched on with Indiana in 2016 and stayed by 2019, when she made the All-Star Sport for the primary time and gained MVP. She additionally returned to the Fever in 2023-24 earlier than becoming a member of the Seattle Storm this offseason. Wheeler was the clear fan favourite in the course of the first occasion and thanked Fever followers for exhibiting her love even after leaving Indiana.
I truthfully really feel like I received home-court benefit, Wheeler stated after the primary spherical. I really feel it, and I thanks guys for all of the love and for at all times cheering for me, even when Im with the Seattle Storm.
Wheeler wasnt the one Storm guard to take part within the abilities problem. Her teammate Skylar Diggins was additionally a contestant, and Friday served as a homecoming of kinds for the 34-year-old. Diggins, who was eradicated within the first spherical, is a South Bend, Ind., native. She starred at Washington Excessive College in South Bend and was named Indiana Miss Basketball and a McDonalds All-American in 2009. Diggins went on to steer Notre Dame to 3 Remaining Fours earlier than turning into a seven-time All-Star within the WNBA. In her second season in Seattle, Diggins earned her first All-Star choice in 2022. James Boyd
The Liberty entered Friday nights festivities seeking to win at the very least one of many two occasions for the third time in 4 years. They did that, and extra, sweeping each competitions to kick off the weekend festivities.
All through the common season, Cloud and Ionescu had on the spot chemistry and have spoken repeatedly about how a lot they take pleasure in taking part in alongside one another. Their friendship was evident after each competitions as the 2 gamers celebrated collectively after every gained their respective occasion. Ionescu ever the competitor stated she was nonetheless upset for leaving factors on the desk, however she nonetheless recorded the second-most factors in occasion historical past. Ben Pickman
This text initially appeared in The Athletic.
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