Before Caitlin Clark was even making waves in the WNBA, Sabrina Ionescu was already lighting up courts, breaking records, and making defenders question their life choices. Fast forward to 2024, and Sabrina, the New York Liberty’s sharp-shooting point guard, is gearing up for her second straight WNBA Finals appearance. And let me tell you, she’s not just there for the participation trophy.
Selected first overall in the 2020 WNBA Draft (because, duh, who wouldn’t pick her?), Sabrina was already considered one of the greatest collegiate players of all time. Fun fact: she’s the NCAA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles. Yeah, no big deal, just casually doing what most players dream of. In just her fifth WNBA season, Ionescu added another jewel to her crown, becoming the league’s single-season record holder for most three-pointers made—128 to be exact. That’s right, she’s a sniper, and your favorite shooter’s favorite shooter.
Sabrina and Steph Curry Walk Into a Three-Point Contest…
And speaking of shooting, did I mention Sabrina was bold enough to go toe-to-toe with Stephen Curry in the NBA’s three-point contest? Like, come on! Most people would be happy to just meet Steph, but Sabrina was out there flexing, shooting threes like it’s just another day at the office.
But it’s not just her jaw-dropping stats that make her a star. Sabrina’s leadership, court vision, and ability to turn defenders into memes are all reasons why she’s the heart and soul of the Liberty. If you don’t believe me, just ask the WNBA MVP voters, who put her sixth on the list after a career-best regular season averaging 18.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. Oh, and that’s while dragging the Liberty into the Finals. No biggie.
Quickfire with Sabrina: More Than Just Basketball
In a recent chat with MARCA’s Nacho Garcia (because Sabrina’s busy, but not that busy), she dished on more than just hoops. Did you know she has a hidden talent? Nope, it’s not breaking ankles—although, let’s be real, she’s got that down too. Apparently, she’s also a whiz outside of basketball, but we’ll have to keep guessing on the details. Oh, and when she’s not draining threes, she’s all about some good ol’ ice cream. Now that’s relatable content. The Liberty may be looking to take home a title, but Sabrina is also looking for her next ice cream fix—champions, they’re just like us.
The Clash in Minnesota: Game 3 Drama
As we head into Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Minnesota’s Lynx and New York’s Liberty are tied 1-1, and it’s anyone’s series. The Lynx, powered by Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier, took the first game, leaving the Liberty feeling as cold as Sabrina’s favorite ice cream. But then came Game 2, and, surprise, surprise, Sabrina and her crew bounced back with a sizzling win to even the series.
Now, New York is looking to bring home the first title in franchise history, but Minnesota’s not going down without a fight. Remember, they’re playing on home turf, and if they have anything to say about it, they’ll send the Liberty back to the Big Apple empty-handed.
If the Liberty loses the Finals again (yikes), they’ll join some not-so-exclusive company with the Atlanta Dream, becoming the first team since 2010-2011 to lose back-to-back Finals. No pressure, Sabrina, just the weight of franchise history on your shoulders.
So buckle up, basketball fans, because whether you’re rooting for Ionescu’s deadly three-point shot or hoping Napheesa blocks everything within arm’s reach, Game 3 is going to be a battle for the ages. And hey, if all else fails, Sabrina can always scoop up some ice cream.