The WNBA Commissioner’s Cup game between the New York Liberty and Indiana Fever is set for Saturday, but New York will be without one of its best players. Liberty star guard Sabrina Ionescu was ruled out of the game, coach Chris DeMarco announced before tipoff.
Ionescu sustained a lower-body injury during the preseason and had only played in one of New York’s first 10 games this season. She made her season debut on May 24 against the Dallas Wings, where she logged over 31 minutes, finishing with 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
She was expected to make a gradual return during the current homestand, but that plan was ultimately delayed due to soreness following practice.
“She’s progressing, but after practice [yesterday], a little bit of soreness, so she’s gonna be out tonight,” DeMarco said, per reporter Myles Ehrlich.
The news comes after reports suggested there was a strong chance Ionescu could suit up, but she was ultimately ruled out after pregame evaluations.
Pauline Astier Having Big Breakout Year in Sabrina Ionescu’s Absence
In Sabrina Ionescu’s absence, Pauline Astier has been elevated to the starting guard role. Astier impressed in 10 games with the Liberty after the organization signed her to an entry-level contract following her 2025 season in the EuroLeague with USK Praha. She showed enough during that stretch to earn a spot in New York’s rotation.
What is intriguing about the French guard’s performance at the WNBA level so far is how strong her underlying metrics have been. Granted, 10 games (with nine starts) and an average of 26.4 minutes is still a small sample size.
It’s also no secret that playing alongside elite talent doesn’t always come easy for players. But given how Astier has adjusted so far, she looks comfortable in the system, averaging 11.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season.
The young guard will only continue to improve as she gains experience, and it will be fascinating to see how her role develops once Ionescu makes her eventual return.
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