During a recent appearance on
“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
, Sabrina Ionescu confidently named her all-time starting five, surprising fans with a unique mix of basketball legends and an unexpected comedy icon. The New York Liberty star included herself, Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, Breanna Stewart, and Adam Sandler in her lineup, blending humor with a nod to her competitive spirit.
Recent Achievements Highlight Ionescu’s Rising Dominance
Despite the playful roster, Ionescu’s skills remain fiercely serious. Just days before her TV appearance, she captured the spotlight at the WNBA All-Star Weekend by winning the 3-point contest for the second time, demonstrating her elite shooting talent. Her precise long-range shooting and steady rhythm have become crucial weapons for the Liberty as they pursue a repeat WNBA championship in 2024.
Role in New York Liberty’s Championship Success
Selected first overall in the 2020 WNBA Draft, Ionescu has been a pivotal figure in transforming the Liberty into a top-tier team. Overcoming early career injuries, she has established herself as one of the league’s premier guards by blending scoring, playmaking, and leadership. Her partnership with teammate Breanna Stewart, also named to her all-time five, was key in New York securing their first-ever championship last season.
2025 Season Performance and Team Outlook
At 27 years old, Ionescu is currently averaging 18.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while maintaining an impressive free-throw percentage above 93% during the 2025 season. Her clutch shooting was evident in the All-Star 3-point contest final, where she delivered a streak of 11 shots and scored 30 points to secure the win. The Liberty continue to rank among the WNBA’s elite squads this season, relying on Ionescu’s leadership and the strong frontcourt play of Stewart to fuel their title defense.
Continuing Impact and Future Prospects
Sabrina Ionescu’s blend of talent, determination, and unexpected personality choices like naming Adam Sandler on her all-time team add a compelling layer to her profile as a WNBA star. As the Liberty aim to maintain their dominance, Ionescu’s consistent excellence and evolving leadership will remain central to the team’s success and the league’s growth.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Sabrina Ionescu black or white?
A. Sabrina Ionescu was born in Walnut Creek, California. Her parents are Romanian-American. Her father, Dan Ionescu, fled communist Romania seeking asylum in the U.S. around the 1989 revolution.
Q. Did Sabrina Ionescu have surgery?
A. Sabrina Ionescu from the New York Liberty is healing after having surgery on her right thumb. This surgery was done to fix her ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). The WNBA champion shared this news in an Instagram post after it was reported by the media.
Q. Is Sabrina Ionescu a twin?
A. Before the event, Eddy Ionescu, her twin brother, shared a sincere message on Instagram, sending good wishes to the 27-year-old ahead of the All-Star contest.
Q. How heavy is Sabrina Ionescu?
A. Ionescu injured a major ligament in her right hand during Game 4 of the WNBA Finals. This information was not released until after the Liberty won against the Minnesota Lynx in Game 5. The surgery completes an outstanding year for the basketball player.