Make New York Post a Preferred Source MINNEAPOLIS — Sabrina Ionescu splashed a 3 and then flashed a smile at the Target Center crowd late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win.
The beauty in Ionescu’s game is her relentless belief that the next shot will go in, regardless of how the game went up to that point.
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Ionescu checked out of the game for the final time 20 seconds later, ensuring she exited on a high note after what had been an overall tough game amid a difficult season.
Ionescu finished with 13 points on 14 shots, zero rebounds and six assists.
The Liberty won by 16 anyway, piloted by Breanna Stewart’s historic performance.
But Stewart can’t always do it by herself. She certainly didn’t Sunday.
Leonie Fiebich hit some big shots and played a role in slowing Olivia Miles. Jonquel Jones battled in the paint. Pauline Astier was a two-way force.
Ionescu had her moments. But the Liberty need Ionescu to be more efficient and consistent if they want to go as far as they hope to.
Coach Chris DeMarco said he isn’t worried about Ionescu.
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Lynx during the second half of game one of the first round of the WNBA playoffs at Target Center in Minneapolis, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Before Game 1, he stressed the importance of Ionescu to the team’s overall success.
But Sunday wasn’t an isolated playoff hiccup — just more an extension of a season-long reality.
Ionescu spent much of the 2026 campaign trying to find consistency adapting to a new system and different role while working her way back from injuries.
She missed the beginning of the season with a foot injury, then dealt with a back issue that hampered her even after her return.
Outside of a strong July stretch, Ionescu hasn’t looked like herself. This season, she averaged 14.6 points, her fewest since 2021. She converted only 29.5 percent of her 3-point attempts, a clip well below her career average.
In the final four regular-season games, Ionescu shot 28.6 percent from the field and 29.2 percent from deep while averaging 11.3 points.
DeMarco lauded Ionescu for bringing “the right energy,” despite her struggles.
“I do think sometimes we all do it as coaches, media, players — somebody gets injured, and it’s hard to just pop right back in and start where you left off, it’s difficult,” DeMarco said. “We’re not in this position without her. She’s won us some massive games, some late-game comebacks, and as I said earlier, we’re gonna be as good as she is, and we know she’s up for the challenge. This is what she does. She’s a clutch player, and playoff time, this is where she goes. So I think with Sab especially, I’m not worried about her. She knows what she needs to do.”
