New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu recently made history by scoring 37 points in the WNBA 3-point contest. Going 25-27 in the final round, she registered the highest number of points ever recorded in a 3-point contest across the board. A two-time All-Star, Ionescu’s performance was the culmination of her consistency from deep over the years. The 25-year-old has prioritized her health above all things, which seemed to be paying dividends.
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Ionescu’s consistency might have something to do with the advice she received from the most consistent NBA player of all time, LeBron James. During her recovery from an ankle injury she suffered in her rookie year in 2020, LeBron James offered her some useful advice.
It must be noted here that LeBron himself spends a whopping $1.5 million on his body every year, as per sources. This strict and expensive regimen enables him to stay fit and injury-free throughout the season, even at the age of 38. King James ended up asking Ionescu to follow his footsteps after the New York Liberty star rolled her ankle pretty badly three years ago.
Mav Carter says LeBron James spends ~$1,500,000 per year on his body. He uses cryotherapy, hyperbaric chambers, NormaTec leg boots, etc. He also has personal chefs, trainers, etc. He has a strict routine and diet. He invested in his body, so he can still dominate at 33 years old.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) March 24, 2018
Ionescu ended up picking the ankle injury in her rookie year, which effectively ended her season. She underwent surgery subsequently, which allowed her to return the following season. Since then, she has undergone a remarkable career transformation as is evident from her recent exploits.
Ionescu just rolled her ankle pretty hard pic.twitter.com/Ibb0ZTHi2Z
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) July 31, 2020
When she was initially injured, LeBron James tweeted some advice for the WNBA star. “Ouch!! @sabrina_i20 Get healthy as soon as possible! . Health is wealth,” he wrote on Twitter.
Ouch!! @sabrina_i20 Get healthy as soon as possible! . Health is wealth
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 31, 2020
Sabrina picked up the injury during a loss to the Atlanta Dream on July 31. James was watching the game and immediately posted the message on his Twitter account. Speaking to ESPN, Ionescu claimed that she was thankful for the advice she received from James.
The four-time NBA Champion understands the importance of avoiding major injuries during the season. And his advice has probably made Ionescu aware of how to prioritize health to maximize her output.
Sabrina Ionescu challenges Stephen Curry to a 3-point shootout
Stephen Curry was impressed with Ionescu’s achievement in the 3-point contest recently, tweeting a one-word response to a post related to her. Curry thought it was a ridiculous performance, and Sabrina is hungry for more.
Shoot out?? @StephenCurry30
— Sabrina Ionescu (@sabrina_i20) July 15, 2023
After breaking the Warriors legend’s 3-point contest record, she expressed her desire to compete against Curry himself. Ionescu posted a tweet challenging Stephen Curry to a shootout. Curry has not yet responded to the challenge.
RIDICULOUS! @sabrina_i20 https://t.co/djeRmwh3UO
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) July 14, 2023
But Sabrina has seen a huge improvement in her 3-point shooting recently. She registered an efficiency of 33.3% in the 2021-22 season. Ionescu then improved to an utterly impressive 44.6% for the previous season, taking 7.6 attempts per game.
A shooting contest between her and Steph would certainly be a spectacular event.
