Shaquille O’Neal Demands Big Change In NBA All-Star Event After Stephen Curry & Sabrina’s Massive Success

Published 02/19/2024, 4:32 AM HKT

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In the trailblazing NBAxWNBA crossover matchup, we saw record-breaking shooter Sabrina Ionescu face off against the best shooter in the NBA, Steph Curry. Although Ionescu fell short of 3 points, she already won the hearts of millions of people around the world. With this in mind, Shaquille O’Neal had a proposal in mind for next year’s All-Star event.

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Despite the win, Chef Curry could still not break Sabrina’s record of 37 points in a 3-point shootout. After the contest, Sabrina hinted at teaming up with college star hooper Caitlin Clark for next year’s 3-Point Contest against Steph and his partner.

Shaq wants to see Caitlin Clark vs Steph Curry next year

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During the preview of the Steph vs Sabrina showdown, Shaq suggested that the NBA make some changes and continue the trend of matching NBA players against WNBA stars in future 3-Point Contests, alluring to the enormous impact it could have on the game of basketball. He especially wants to see collegiate superstar Caitlin in the matchup. The 4X NBA Champion said, “Can we continue this? Can it be Damian Lillard versus somebody else next year? Can it be Caitlin Clark versus Steph next year?

That will be an interesting event for sure, considering how Caitlin is dominating the college basketball scene. Pointing this out, Shaq added, “Caitlin Clark changing the women’s game.” The 22-year-old star guard from the Iowa Hawkeyes has been averaging an incredible 32.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 8.5 assists this season, with shooting percentages of 39.9 3P% and 47.5 FG%. Earlier Shaq also praised Clark on the “Inside the NBA” on TNT after she broke the all-time NCAA scoring record in women’s basketball.

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Shaq said, “I’m gonna go on the record and say she’s the best female collegiate player ever.” Clark possibly showing up for the NBAxWNBA matchup next year is an exciting proposition for the fans, but this year the spotlight belonged to Sabrina Ionescu and Steph Curry and they are already looking forward to the next year.

Sabrina looking for a partner for next year

The event was undoubtedly a huge success. The matchup between Curry and Ionescu saw a viewership of 5.4 million, while the whole night fetched 4.6 million in viewership, a 31% increase from last year.

In the post-event interview, Sabrina told the media, “We’ve been talking about finding different ways to change this up next year and I think he has a partner in mind that’s gonna join him. And so, I’m open to any partner that can help me win.

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The idea is to make it a team competition for next year to spice things up, and Caitlin Clark could be the perfect fit for Sabrina. Pointing at Curry the WNBA 3-Point winner also playfully added that she plans on taking his belt away from him next year. A 2v2 could appeal to a lot of fans next year at the NBA All-Star event.

Stephen Curry Makes Telling Appeal to His NBA-Hating Daughters After All-Star Battle With Sabrina Ionescu

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Who would you like to see in next year’s NBAxWNBA matchup? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by:

Tsuktibenla T Jamir

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Tsuktibenla is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports, whose love affair with basketball began at the age of 16, sparking a passion that has kept her actively playing ever since. Representing her school and college in various tournaments, she earned the title of MVP in several instances despite contending with multiple injuries. A graduate in English Literature, she pursued a Master's in Journalism to solidify her place in sports journalism.
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Edited by:

Bilal Handoo

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