In a move that might make her thumb eligible for MVP honors, New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in her shooting hand. Yes, the very hand that delivered the Liberty’s first-ever WNBA championship just two months ago. Talk about taking one for the team—literally.
The announcement came on Friday, coinciding with Ionescu’s 27th birthday. Forget cake and candles; she celebrated by dropping the news on Instagram. Who needs sprinkles when you’ve got stitches, right? ESPN reports that Ionescu is expected to return to on-court activities in four weeks, which, for mere mortals, would be impossible. But this is Sabrina Ionescu we’re talking about—the basketball magician who probably wakes up and dribbles her coffee mug.
The injury in question? A torn ulnar collateral ligament sustained in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals. If that sounds painful, it’s because it is. Yet, she didn’t just play through it—she dominated. Ionescu’s heroics led the Liberty to a five-game Finals victory over the Minnesota Lynx, solidifying her place in WNBA lore. We’re not saying she single-handedly carried the team (pun absolutely intended), but she might have.
Her 2024 stats were equally jaw-dropping. She averaged 18.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.4 rebounds during the regular season and upped the ante in the playoffs. That’s like showing up to a potluck with not one but two desserts. And let’s not forget, this is the same player who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2020, proving yet again that the Liberty knows how to swipe right in the draft.
For those keeping track at home, this isn’t Ionescu’s first brush with adversity. Injuries and setbacks seem to roll off her like water off a duck’s back—or, more appropriately, like sweat off a championship trophy.
As for the Liberty faithful, they’re likely already planning welcome-back parties for their three-time All-Star. Knowing Ionescu, she’ll be back before the ink dries on her medical clearance, ready to add even more hardware to her trophy case—and maybe some padding to her thumb.
So here’s wishing Sabrina a speedy recovery. If her thumb is half as resilient as her gameplay, the Liberty’s title defense is in very safe hands.
