The 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend delivered electrifying moments and jaw-dropping performances, but none more memorable than the Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud stealing the spotlight. With Cloud win 2 All-Star titles, this year’s event in Indianapolis will be remembered as a statement of dominance from the New York Liberty.
Cloud Win 2 All-Star Titles in Historic Fashion
Natasha Cloud etched her name into WNBA history as she emerged victorious in both the Skills Challenge and as part of the broader Liberty triumph during All-Star Weekend. Cloud win 2 All-Star titles became the most buzzed-about phrase across basketball communities, celebrating her breakout performance in her very first All-Star weekend appearance.
Cloud had never been invited to participate in the WNBA All-Star Game or the Skills Challenge before. Yet, when given the opportunity, she didn’t just participate—she conquered. Cloud’s incredible run began with a flawless opening round in the obstacle course, combining passing, dribbling, and shooting. She then triumphed in the finals, recording a stunning time of 36.4 seconds—just edging out Seattle’s Erica Wheeler, who clocked 37.5 seconds.
Liberty Sweep: Ionescu’s Three-Point Brilliance
While Cloud win 2 All-Star titles became the weekend’s headline, Sabrina Ionescu made waves of her own. Competing in the 3-point contest for the second time, Ionescu delivered another masterclass. Her final round score of 30 points was enough to defeat defending champion Allisha Gray, who tallied 22 points.
Ionescu’s showing, though not quite matching her 2023 record-setting 37-point performance, still placed her among the contest’s all-time greats. Only Allie Quigley, who won the 3-point title four times, shares the distinction of multiple titles. Now, Ionescu joins that elite club with her second victory, solidifying her legacy as one of the league’s premier shooters.
A Symbol of Team Unity
The bond between Ionescu and Cloud was on full display throughout the night. As Cloud win 2 All-Star titles and Ionescu secured the 3-point crown, their camaraderie was evident. Ionescu even mentioned that the two had discussed their events together beforehand, cheering each other on every step of the way. After their victories, they embraced in celebration—symbols of Liberty pride and sisterhood.
Further demonstrating her leadership and generosity, Ionescu pledged half of her prize money to rookie Sonia Citron, who was nervous before participating in her first All-Star event. “I told Sonya that I would give her half if I won when we were sitting on the bench,” Ionescu said. “Obviously have to hold up my end of the bargain.”
Gray Falls Short in Both Events
Defending 3-point and Skills Challenge champion Allisha Gray had hoped to repeat her historic double victory. However, Cloud win 2 All-Star titles effectively shut down those ambitions. Gray, donning custom A’ja Wilson shoes with money symbols, missed all three chest passes in the Skills Challenge, ending her run with a time of 39.4 seconds—short of the finals. Her 22 points in the 3-point contest were solid, but not enough to surpass Ionescu.
Despite falling short, Gray’s participation was spirited, and her presence was a reminder of the incredible talent across the WNBA. Still, 2025 was not her year—this time, the Liberty ruled supreme.
Cloud’s Emotional Victory and Bigger Dreams
When Cloud win 2 All-Star titles became reality, it meant more than just trophies. After her win, Cloud rushed to embrace teammate and girlfriend Isabelle Harrison. Harrison had jokingly told Cloud to win so they could put a down payment on a house. Cloud, laughing and tearful, shouted, “You’re gonna get that house!”
Cloud also earned a significant cash prize. Thanks to a partnership with Aflac and the WNBPA, she received $55,000, along with a $2,575 league bonus as outlined in the WNBA collective bargaining agreement. Ionescu, for her part, took home $60,000 from Aflac plus the same league bonus.
The financial rewards were appreciated, but the emotional impact was greater. Cloud win 2 All-Star titles marked the culmination of years of dedication and resilience, finally recognized on one of the WNBA’s biggest stages.
Wheeler’s Redemption and the Crowd’s Energy
Seattle’s Erica Wheeler provided a strong challenge in the Skills Challenge, recording a time of 37.5 seconds in the final. A year earlier, she missed out on competing due to global flight issues caused by a tech failure. This year, she returned determined, and the Indianapolis crowd—familiar with Wheeler from her playing days with the Indiana Fever—gave her a hero’s welcome.
Wheeler, despite not winning, stood tall as a fierce competitor. Still, the night belonged to Cloud. Cloud win 2 All-Star titles overshadowed every other storyline from the event.
Plum, Citron, and Rising Stars
Kelsey Plum, Lexie Hull, and Sonia Citron also added intrigue to the 3-point shootout. Plum, a former All-Star MVP and Skills Champion, aimed to make history as the first to win all three All-Star events. However, her 22 points weren’t enough to advance to the final round.
Hull, stepping in for the injured Caitlin Clark, scored 20 points in a respectable effort. Clark, while sidelined, hyped up the crowd with her trademark energy. Meanwhile, Washington rookie Sonia Citron impressed with 19 points, gaining valuable experience and, thanks to Ionescu’s generosity, a surprise bonus.
What Cloud’s Win Means for the WNBA
Cloud win 2 All-Star titles signifies more than just personal triumph—it represents the growing parity and star power in the WNBA. In her 11th year in the league, Cloud finally received the recognition she deserves. Her skills, speed, and determination showed the depth of talent in the league and provided inspiration to younger players and fans alike.
Her double win also reinforced the Liberty’s elite status heading into the second half of the season. With Cloud and Ionescu leading the charge, the Liberty are a serious title contender.
Looking Ahead
As the All-Star lights dim and regular-season action resumes, the impact of this weekend will linger. Cloud win 2 All-Star titles will be a rallying cry for Liberty fans and an example of perseverance paying off. The 2025 All-Star Weekend proved once again that WNBA players are not just athletes—they’re icons of inspiration, unity, and excellence.
From Cloud’s breakout dominance to Ionescu’s precision shooting, Liberty’s All-Star sweep wasn’t just about winning contests. It was about redefining what’s possible.
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