In heartbreaking fashion, the New York Liberty fell to the Los Angeles Sparks, 101-99, on Saturday, July 26. Rickea Jackson delivered the decisive shot just before the buzzer, ending the reigning WNBA champions’ fivegame winning streak.
Sabrina Ionescu shone brightly despite the defeat. The fourtime All-Star nominee poured her energy into every possession, delivering one of her finest individual performances of the season. Yet even her relentless effort could not carry Liberty to victory or extend their streak.
Ionescu finished with 30 points, making her the game’s leading scorer. She shot 12 of 22 from the field, added eight rebounds, six assists, four steals and two threepointers across 36 minutes on the floor.
A place in WNBA history for Sabrina Ionescu
The stat line she recorded Saturday secured Ionescu a spot in the WNBA record books. She became just the fourth player in league history to register at least 30 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals in a single contest.
By accomplishing the feat, Ionescu matched an achievement previously recorded by Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s rising star currently sidelined with a groin injury that has kept her out for more than five games this season. Clark reached the milestone in only her second year in the league, underscoring the exclusivity of the company Ionescu joined.
Two other players share this rare distinction: future Hall of Famer Candace Parker and All-Star Brandy Reed, both of whom left an indelible mark on the WNBA during their careers.
The stellar outing adds to what has been a strong campaign for Ionescu. Standing 5-foot-11, she is averaging 18.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.6 made threes per game this season. Those numbers have helped propel Liberty to a 17-7 record and solid position atop the standings.
Liberty’s edge over Indiana Fever
Throughout the current season, Ionescu’s Liberty and Clark’s Fever have faced each other four times, with New York winning three of those matchups. Notably, Clark was absent for the last two meetings due to her lingering groin injury, depriving fans of the highly anticipated headtohead battles between the two rising stars.
There will be no more regular season opportunities to see them square off, but many hope the rivals meet again in the playoffs – ideally with both fully healthy – to deliver the marquee duel fans have been craving.
For now, Ionescu remains focused on keeping Liberty at the top of the standings, while Clark continues rigorous rehab sessions prescribed by the Fever’s medical staff as she works toward a return to action.
Caitlin Clark’ absence it is notorious for her team, the Indiana Fever. And averybody is expecting her returning to the court. Not only because she is the star of the team, but her great performance it is needed to obtain victories.
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