NBA fans were left divided after TNT's Kenny Smith sparked controversy during the All-Star Saturday event on February 18, 2024. The one-on-one three-point contest between Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu in Indianapolis was a standout moment, but Smith's remarks about Ionescu's performance stirred up a heated debate among basketball enthusiasts.

During the contest, Smith engaged in an argument with Reggie Miller, claiming that Ionescu had not shot from the WNBA line and suggesting that her use of a smaller ball gave her an unfair advantage. This led to an outpouring of reactions on NBA Twitter and even caught the attention of Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, who humorously suggested that Smith had been drinking.

Fans took to social media to express their disappointment in Smith's comments, with many feeling that he had unfairly criticized Ionescu and tainted what was otherwise a special moment in basketball history. Several tweets highlighted the frustration felt by female sports fans, emphasizing the challenges and biases women face in the sports industry.

Despite the controversy, Ionescu's impressive performance, matching the exact score that Damian Lillard had won with, further emphasized her talent and skill on the court. The incident served as a reminder of the ongoing conversations surrounding gender equality and representation in sports, sparking important discussions within the basketball community.