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Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu put on a show during All-Star Saturday night.

The sharp-shooting duo set the LED-lit hardwood alight at Lucas Oil Stadium, stealing the show from the events that have traditionally sparkled the night’s festivities. Their contest was arguably the highlight of the night — a clash of the titans between two of the world’s most efficient jump shooters.

In the end, it was Curry who had the edge. He just outpaced his fellow splash sibling, pouring in 29 points to Ionescu’s 26 to nab the victory.

It was just the sort of competition that the basketball world was craving for. And it set the stage for an even more enticing duel come 2025, one that could potentially feature one of college basketball’s greatest scorers.

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When asked about whether Iowa star — and presumptive No. 1 pick — Caitlin Clark could take part in next year’s iteration of the shootout, Curry and Ionescu were coy. Reading between the leaves, though, it seems Clark could make an appearance.

“We’ve been talking about finding different ways to change this up next year,” Ionescu said. “I think [Curry] has a partner in mind that’s going to join him. And so, I’m open to any partner that can help me win and take that belt that he has away from him.”

There are a host of talents who could join Curry and Ionescu in the ring. Klay Thompson makes sense given his allegiance to Golden State, as do potential wild cards like Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Damian Lillard. Ionescu would certainly have her pick of the litter as well. The WNBA is loaded with snipers from deep, including Courtney Vandersloot, Allie Quigley and Arike Ogunbowale.

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It’s hard to imagine a bigger star joining the action than Clark, however. She’s already a supernova, bringing with her legions of raucous fans from all across the globe. She would be a seamless fit for the glimmering platform that is the 3-point shootout — slated to take place in Ionescu’s hometown and Curry’s adopted cradle, the Bay Area.

It remains to be seen whether Clark will even declare for the 2024 WNBA Draft, let alone involve herself in an event as unpredictable as a 3-Point Contest. If she does, it will yield quite the audience.

Stephen Curry vs. Caitlin Clark vs. Sabrina Ionescu stats

Stephen Curry

Curry’s grasp on the title of the game’s greatest shooter remains as firm as ever. He’s enjoying another glittering shooting campaign, sinking 42.1 percent of his trey balls in 2023-24. Despite the wretched tentacles of Father Time getting ever closer to Curry, the 35-year-old is still a force of nature with the ball in his hands.

He’s got 252 successful triples in 50 appearances this year. If he were to keep his average of five made 3s per game, it would represent just the fourth season where he eclipsed that mark.

Not too shabby for an elder statesman.

Caitlin Clark

Clark has been a sharp-shooting dynamo during her time on campus in Des Moines. She may not face pro-level defense on a nightly basis, but she receives the brunt of her opposition’s attention whenever Iowa gets the ball.

Clark is the most prolific shooter in college basketball history — men or women. It’s hard to imagine she won’t be able to recreate some of that success at the next level. More talent around her should open up space on the floor.

It’s folly to believe that Clark will come out the gate and immediately dominate from outside the arc. Or is it? She’s proven she’s a magician while grasping the orb. That doesn’t tend to go away, even if her fires do go up a level.

Sabrina Ionescu

Ionescu enjoyed the best shooting season of her young career in 2023, putting home 44.8 percent of her 3-point attempts. She’s a force from all angles on the floor, although she shows a penchant for sinking shots above the break (where she hit 44.5 percent of those attempts) and off the dribble (only 16 of Ionescu’s 128 successful 3-pointers came off assists).