Ionescu finishing strong for Liberty

Sabrina Ionescu struggled offensively in the first three quarters of the New York Liberty's game against the Indiana Fever, scoring only three points on 1-of-9 shooting during her 20 minutes of play. She was benched at the start of the fourth quarter, with Liberty coach Sandy Brondello reassuring her to "stay ready" for a planned return.

Ionescu re-entered the game with two minutes elapsed in the final period and immediately dominated, scoring 10 unanswered points via a 12-foot jumper, a layup, and two three-pointers to extend New York's lead to 89-75. She also contributed three of her game-high nine assists in crunch time, setting up key baskets for teammates Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Isabelle Harrison to secure the Liberty's 98-84 victory.

This late-game surge continues Ionescu's pattern of fourth-quarter excellence during the Liberty's title-defense season. She has recorded double-digit points in the final period three times in the past month, each performance resulting in a win. Notable examples include scoring 11 points (with seven in the last two minutes) against Golden State on June 25, and sealing a win days earlier with critical free throws despite a 1-for-11 shooting start after returning from injury.