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Despite the loss, Sabrina Ionescu seized the spotlight in the 3-point contest against Stephen Curry. Like many, Kenny Smith also shared his opinion on the WNBA star’s game and decision to shoot from the NBA 3-point line. However, his criticism wasn’t taken well by the netizens and ‘The Jet’ was ostracized online. “Kenny Smith tainted a really special moment in basketball history,” wrote one disappointed fan. 

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Following his controversial statement, the 2x NBA champion recently appeared on the Stephen A. Smith show where he clarified the meaning behind his words. In fact, Kenny Smith waxed lyrical about his comment, bringing an acclaimed play by Shakespeare into the argument. “Much ado about nothing, Stephen, honestly. Most people who know basketball understood what I was talking about. Actually, I was advocating for her more than anything else because basketball is muscle memory…He (Curry) practices from one range and she (Sabrina) practices from the other.”

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Kenny Smith’s comment that caused huge chaos among the netizens was his opinion that Ionescu should have shot from the WNBA 3-point line. “I think she (Sabrina) should have shot from the women’s line. That would have been a fair contest,” said Smith. Do you think Smith is right about it? Well, after watching Ionescu tally the same amount of points as 3-point contest winner Damian Lillard, most fans did not agree with the Houston Rockets legend. 

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People praised Sabrina Ionescu for shooting from the NBA 3-point line

As the WNBA star effortlessly scored 26 points from the NBA 3-point line, fans were awe-struck by her remarkable skills. Talk about a true champion who is loved even in their loss. Some of her fans argued that Kenny Smith hasn’t probably watched the player’s practice sessions where she usually shoots from the NBA 3-point line.

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Furthermore, when the 2x WNBA All-Star was asked about her decision, she said the same. “Personally, I shoot from that range to begin with. I practice from that range wanting to be a better shooter and a better basketball player.” Ionescu further explained, “Knowing I had that opportunity to pick what line I wanted to shoot from, it was a no-brainer from when it was first presented that I wanted to shoot from the NBA line.”

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Despite Kenny Smith’s latest clarification, fans continue to troll his previous statement leaving his efforts in vain. Particularly as Sabrina Ionescu now stands equal to some of the best NBA 3-point shooters. What are your thoughts on ‘The Jet’s comments? Let us know down below.

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READ MORE: Shaquille O’Neal sheds some light into Ben Simmons’ $39,000,000 fortune, Days after Stephen A. Smith’s heavy bashing

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Pritha Debroy

3,476 Articles

Pritha Debroy works with the NFL Lifestyle Desk at EssentiallySports, where she explores the league beyond the sidelines and focuses on the cultural nuances of football. Bringing a fresh perspective shaped by her background in basketball lifestyle stories and cross-sport expertise, she highlights how NFL athletes build influence off the field. A graduate of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, our in-house initiative that trains writers under industry experts, Pritha specializes in long-form features and player-driven stories that capture the evolving identity of today’s NFL stars. Pritha combines her passion for storytelling with a thoughtful approach to sports culture and lifestyle. With strong communication skills and an eye for detail, she brings a distinctive voice to NFL journalism, delivering engaging and insightful content that resonates with readers.

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Aakash Nair

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