New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu is finally entering a groove from beyond the 3-point line – a massive problem for WNBA opponents, considering she was playing at a high level even before her long-range shots started falling this season. In a telling stat that underlines her basketball influence, Ionescu on Sunday delivered her fifth career game of at least 25 points and 10 assists to set a WNBA record.
“I mean, I didn’t really know that fact,” Ionescu said when asked about her feat after she scored 26 points, dished 11 assists and made four 3-pointers in New York’s 96-75 win over the Atlanta Dream.
“I guess just continue to play my game, understanding obviously the threat that I have with the ball in my hands as a scorer at all three levels. But also understanding the passing is a part of my game that’s unguardable in terms of just being able to get everyone involved.”
After failing to shoot above 50 percent from 3-point range in her first 12 outings this season, Ionescu has surpassed that mark twice in the past six games, hitting 43.4 percent of her deep attempts over those half-dozen appearances. It’s little surprise, then, that the Liberty have gone 5-1 during her hot stretch to extend their overall record to 15-3.
For a team overflowing with superstar-caliber players, the Liberty have shared the ball well, ranking second in the WNBA in assists per game. Ionescu has increased her distribution responsibilities in the absence of Courtney Vandersloot, the veteran point guard who has missed time this month because of the death of her mother.
It has helped that this is the second year this Liberty group has played together after making substantial roster changes before last season. There’s a seemingly unshakable trust between players.
Sabrina Ionescu now has five career WNBA games of at least 25 points and 10 assists.© Getty Images
“The chemistry that we built last year and the experiences that we had helps us now,” head coach Sandy Brondello said recently following a statement win over the then-unbeaten Connecticut Sun. “We just went to another level and I think that’s the ability that really good teams have.”
Star trio Ionescu, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones are all averaging more than 16 points and 3 assists per game. And Ionescu and Stewart have played their best basketball lately, making the Liberty one of the main forces in the WNBA in 2024.
“[I appreciate] having some of the best teammates in the world,” Ionescu said, with Brondello adding, “It’s just fun to watch when they play selfless basketball.”
The Liberty will be in action next on Tuesday night in the Commissioner’s Cup final against the Minnesota Lynx. Players can earn a massive cash bonus for winning the competition, and there are also bragging rights at stake in a midseason measuring stick matchup.
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