Following a foot injury suffered during preseason, New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu made her long-awaited season debut in the team’s home loss against the Dallas Wings.
Ionescu finished with 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds in 30 minutes of action. Although Dallas came away with a 91-76 victory, her return is a major boost for a Liberty team that had opened the season 3-3 through its first six games. Since being selected No. 1 overall out of University of Oregon in 2020, Ionescu has transformed the franchise, and helping deliver the organization’s first WNBA championship in 2024 only strengthened her status as one of the faces of basketball in New York City.
A standing ovation at Barclays Center
The crowd at Barclays Center gave Ionescu a standing ovation when she was introduced in the starting lineup, a reminder of how important she has become to the franchise and its fanbase. While she understandably looked rusty at times, Ionescu showed flashes of herself early, scoring all 11 of her points in the first half before going scoreless after halftime and missing her final seven shot attempts.
What Ionescu’s return means for the Liberty
Despite the loss, Ionescu said she felt good physically after the game. Last season, the two-time Olympic gold medalist averaged 18.2 points, 5.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds, and the Liberty will rely heavily on her to regain that form as the season progresses. She now joins a loaded roster featuring newcomer Satou Sabally, who led New York with 20 points, along with stars Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, who combined for 28 points and 18 rebounds. Ionescu had been sidelined since May 3, and although the injury was not considered serious, it may take some time before she fully returns to peak form.
Bueckers and Fudd power Dallas
Dallas was powered by former University of Connecticut teammates Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, who each scored 24 points to lead the Wings past New York and improve Dallas’ record to 4-3 on the season.
