Kenny Smith Breaks Silence on Flak Received for Sabrina Ionescu Comments With Shakespeare Quote

Published 02/20/2024, 8:49 PM HKT

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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

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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.

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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USA Today via Reuters

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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Written by:

Pritha Debroy

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Pritha is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. After reporting on the luxurious lifestyle of celebrities for a year, she used that experience to cover the glamor side of the basketball world. She has expertly covered Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan's complicated love story and the lavish vacations of NBA superstars, among other off-court scoops.
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Edited by:

Aakash Nair

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