At Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday night, Sabrina Ionescu spearheaded the New York Liberty to an 89-76 victory against the Phoenix Mercury, securing their fifth straight win and extending the WNBA’s longest active streak. This key Liberty win ended the season’s challenges against the Mercury and was part of a crucial eight-game homestand for New York.
Strong Performances Turn the Tide in Liberty’s Favor
Ionescu delivered an impressive 29-point effort, making 11 of 21 shots, alongside eight assists, showcasing her all-around impact. Returning after injuries hampered her early matchups with Phoenix, Jonquel Jones also contributed a commanding double-double, registering 20 points and 11 rebounds to bolster the team‘s performance.
Despite a slow start trailing by up to 12 points, New York shifted momentum late in the first half. A pivotal drive by Kahleah Copper led to a timeout by Phoenix, after which the Liberty surged to outscore the Mercury 19-7 in the final stretch before halftime, erasing the deficit and leveling the score as the teams headed into the locker rooms.
Lockdown Defense Seals the Game’s Outcome
New York’s defensive intensity dominated the second half, holding Phoenix to just 30 points—the second-lowest total conceded in any WNBA second half this season. This defensive effort was critical in maintaining their lead and securing the victory, reinforcing the Liberty’s status as a formidable contender.
Looking Ahead to the Homestand Finale
The Liberty will conclude their home games with a matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET, continuing their pursuit of a strong playoff position. The team’s ongoing success, led by Ionescu, highlights their championship aspirations this season.
“It was the penultimate game of a season-long eight-game homestand and the Liberty’s fifth consecutive win to extend the WNBA’s longest active tally.” —Geoff Magliocchetti, Sportswriter
“Ionescu scored 29 points on an 11-of-21 night from the field while dishing out eight assists. Hampered in the first two matchups due to injury, Jonquel Jones proved her impact with a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double.” —Geoff Magliocchetti, Sportswriter
“Momentum began to flip when a Kahleah Copper drive created that fateful 12-point lead and a Liberty timeout.” —Geoff Magliocchetti, Sportswriter
“The Liberty wrap up this homestand on Saturday when they host a cross-coast clash with the Los Angeles Sparks (7 p.m. ET, My9).” —Geoff Magliocchetti, Sportswriter
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Sabrina Ionescu black or white?
A. Ionescu was born in Walnut Creek, California, to parents from Romania. Her dad, Dan Ionescu, left communist Romania around the 1989 revolution, looking for political asylum in the U.S.
Q. Did Sabrina Ionescu have surgery?
A. Sabrina Ionescu from the New York Liberty is getting better after having surgery on her right thumb. The procedure was to fix her ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). She shared the news of her surgery on Instagram after it was reported.
Q. Is Sabrina Ionescu a twin?
A. She has a twin brother named Edward, or “Eddy,” who was born 18 minutes later. Eddy first played basketball at City College of San Francisco. After that, he moved to Oregon, where he was just a student in the 2018–19 school year. In 2019–20, he joined the Ducks men’s basketball team as a walk-on.
Q. How heavy is Sabrina Ionescu?
A. During Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, Ionescu injured her right hand with a serious UCL tear. This injury wasn’t revealed until after the Liberty’s victory over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 5. She had surgery, marking the end of an outstanding year for the basketball player.