When two entertainment worlds collide, magic happens. That’s exactly what went down backstage at “The Tonight Show” when Sabrina Ionescu handed Adam Sandler a pair of her unreleased Nike Sabrina 3s. The comedy legend didn’t just take them as a keepsake. He laced them up and wore them on national television.
How Did Sabrina Ionescu and Adam Sandler’s Paths Cross at Tonight Show?
New York Liberty standout Sabrina Ionescu was fresh off All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana, when she made her way to Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. The superstar guard had work to do, promoting the upcoming release of the latest addition in her sneaker line, the Sabrina 3s.
During her appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Ionescu introduced the world to a unisex basketball shoe set to launch on July 24 in the United States. The segment included a fun game called “The Tonight Show Starting Five,” during which she revealed her top picks across various categories.
The highlight came when she shared her all-time greatest basketball starting five. Her dream team included herself, Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, Breanna Stewart, and in a delightful twist that had everyone laughing, Adam Sandler.
As luck would have it, Sandler was also a guest on the show that same evening. Ionescu seized the moment backstage, gifting him a pair of her unreleased Nike Sabrina 3s. True to his laid-back style, Sandler immediately laced them up and wore them during his own appearance on the show.
Adam Sandler wore a pair of Nike Sabrina 3s on the Tonight Show 🥶 pic.twitter.com/U6eezXbkiw
— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) July 22, 2025
Sandler then went on to promote his upcoming movie, Happy Gilmore 2.
What Makes Adam Sandler’s Love for Basketball So Genuine?
Sandler’s connection to basketball runs deep. He developed his love for the game at a young age, playing with his father, brother, and uncle. The passion stuck as he continued playing in church leagues and even made his high school team, though he admits he spent plenty of time warming the bench.
At 58, the actor has never lost that love for the sport. While Sandler might not have made it to the professional level, he found his own way to show his affection for basketball. The 2022 film Hustle, which featured numerous current and former NBA players and coaches, was co-produced by Sandler alongside LeBron James, showcasing his contribution to the sport’s growth and visibility.
However, as mentioned, Sandler’s appearance on “The Tonight Show” was all about promoting a different project. The comedy legend is returning to one of his most beloved characters, reprising his role as Happy Gilmore, a wannabe hockey player who begins to golf.
Many familiar faces from the original film are coming back, including Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit, Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, and Ben Stiller as Hal L.
The sequel also brings a host of new co-stars and cameos from major figures like Chiefs TE Travis Kelce and musicians Bad Bunny, Post Malone, and Eminem.
The film picks up almost 30 years after the original, with Happy Gilmore coming out of retirement to fund his daughter’s ballet school. Unlike the original, this one will be a Netflix exclusive, skipping a theatrical release entirely.
The timing couldn’t be better for both stars. The movie drops on July 25, just one day after Ionescu’s Sabrina 3 sneakers hit the market. The shared publicity from their Tonight Show moment helps both in their respective projects, creating buzz that extends far beyond a simple backstage encounter.
