Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis belonged to the New York Liberty. When the NBA-style All‑Star Weekend kicked off, two Liberty stars stole the spotlight: Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud. It marked a rare team sweep—the third in the event’s short history.

Ionescu, the team’s mercurial point guard, reclaimed the three‑point crown she’d sat out last year. With 25 points in the opening round, she secured a spot in the finals. That’s where she ramped things up, draining 30 points—including an 11‑shot streak and a deep triple—in a tight face‑off. She edged out defending champion Allisha Gray, who finished with 22 points. Early jitters didn’t slow her down. “Thirty is not too bad,” she quipped afterward, brushing off any nerves. Then came the best part: a heartfelt gesture. From her $62,575 prize, Ionescu pledged half to rookie Sonia Citron—who impressed with her gutsy 19‑point opener—and the rest to her SI20 Foundation. It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.

Cloud Delivers in Skills Challenge

Next up in Liberty dominance: Natasha Cloud. In the fast‑paced skills challenge, Cloud edged past Seattle’s Erica Wheeler by just 1.1 seconds. Her lightning‑quick 36.4‑second finish trumped Wheeler’s strong 37.5. Across both rounds, Cloud showcased elite speed, precision, and smart decision‑making. She claimed the $55,000 prize—an achievement she plans to celebrate with a major purchase: a house she’ll buy with girlfriend and Liberty teammate Isabelle Harrison. In typical Cloud fashion, she joked about sleeping with the hardware—until Harrison politely vetoed the idea. Between the grin and the trophy, Cloud made sure this night was one to remember.

Depth Shines Across the Board

And the energy didn’t stop there. Allisha Gray may not have claimed gold in the three‑point contest, but ESPN still gave her an A‑ grade. Teammates stepped up too: Kelsey Plum drained 22 points, Lexie Hull hit 20, and Sonia Citron stood out among rookies with 19. On the skills‑challenge side, Courtney Williams (42 seconds) and Skylar Diggins (44.3 seconds) were eliminated earlier—but they brought rallying energy and kept the crowd buzzing. This wasn’t a one‑man show. It was a full‑team spectacle.

More Than Trophies

Here’s the thing: this sweep wasn’t just about hardware. It spoke volumes about the Liberty’s character and culture. Ionescu proved again she’s one of the WNBA’s most lethal shooters—and one of its most generous. Cloud wasn’t just sharp on the court. Her composure, confidence, and cheeky candor showed she can deliver under pressure. And the gesture behind Ionescu’s payout? That revealed something deeper—a bond and sense of community that runs through this team.

What’s Next?

The action carries on Saturday night with the All‑Star Game: Team Clark vs. Team Collier. Indy’s hosting All‑Star Weekend for the first time, and with Liberty stars making waves, the city’s electric. Fans are buzzing. Media eyes are locked in. And the question on everyone’s mind: Can this Liberty squad ride this momentum into a championship run?

Final Take

Here’s what we know. Ionescu’s shooting clinic and Cloud’s rapid dominance weren’t just highlights—they were proof. The Liberty can handle big moments. They’re built for high‑pressure situations and for seizing the spotlight. What this really means: when the lights are brightest, the Liberty won’t just show up. They’ll rise.