“What’s wrong with that?” Controversial ‘play with dolls’ comment on Sabrina Ionescu at All-Star game explained by Kenny Smith

The NBA All-Star for many was a success and to many a disappointment of a show. Nonetheless, we were able to witness some great sights, one being the very first introduction of the NBA vs WNBA 3-point competition which saw Stephen Curry and Sabrina lonescu go head-to-head. But more so than the event, it was Kenny Smith’s words during commentary that has been circulating around with a bad image.

Smith was skeptical about the shooting distance between the two superstars during the event where both players opted to shoot from the men’s shooting range. To which his broadcast partner and former NBA player, Reggie Miller responded by saying:

You want her to be playing with dolls.
Reggie Miller said

In response to that he replied saying there was nothing wrong with playing with dolls. Since then his words have stirred controversies all over the internet on his misogynistic comments. So much so he had to clarify what he actually meant in The Stephen A. Smith Show.

Kenny Smith said in response to the criticism he received for his words even saying:

Most people who know basketball understood what I was talking about. Actually, I was advocating for her, more than anything else, because basketball is muscle memory. So he practices from one range, she practices from another. It’s not gender, it’s not genetics.
Kenny Smith responded

His idea behind the comment was the advantage Stephen Curry would get by adding more pressure upon Sabrina Ionescu. But fans may have taken his words the other way around as he would continue to give explanations on muscle memory and how it had nothing to do with gender.

Stephen Curry beats Sabrina Ionescu at All-Star 3-point contest

Never had we ever seen an NBA vs WNBA event until this year’s All-Star event where we the talented shooter, Sabrina Ionescu faced someone who knows a thing or two about scoring half-courts and buzzer beaters in the name of Stephen Curry.

Stephen Curry after winning the 3-point contest against Sabrina Ionescu (Via The Athletic)

While both opted to take the vent from the men’s 3-point line it was Stephen Curry who came out victorious, winning 29 and by a margin of only 3 points as Sabrina Ionescu scored 26. It was one of the most anticipated events in this year NBA All-Star’s event as never in NBA history was such an event hosted. Sabrina Ionescu, a point guard who represents the New York Liberty and came from breaking the all-time 3-point challenge record, was all up for the competition for a long time.

But with the words circulating around, Kenny Smith may have found himself in hot water even though his words may have meant something else. Nevertheless, fans had more than enough time to give their thoughts on his words after the event.

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