Sabrina Ionescu has not played a game since May 24 due to a back injury. The 28-year-old has only laced up once for the New York Liberty this season when they played the Dallas Wings on May 24. The Liberty lost 91-76, and Ionescu had 11 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.
Even without one of the best 3-point shooters in the league, the Liberty have done well so far, going 9-4 in the season. They are currently third on the chart and are on a six-game winning streak, the second longest active streak this season.
The Liberty registered a dominant 104-90 win against the Atlanta Dream on Thursday night, and now they’re gearing up for a home game against the Washington Mystics on Sunday.
For fans who have been waiting for Ionescu’s return, the four-time All-Star is likely to play. As per New York Post reporter Madeline Kenney, the star point guard “plans to play against the Mystics on Sunday.”
In addition to the back issues, Ionescu has also struggled with ankle and foot injuries. After weeks of rest and rehab, she was close to returning last weekend. She also participated in team practice ahead of the matchup.
However, Ionescu was ruled out for the game against the Indiana Fever. Now it seems like everything is falling in place for Ionescu’s return on Sunday.
“Sab’s progressing well,” Liberty coach Chris DeMarco told Kenney. “We kept her home so she can continue to play 5-on-5 with the practice guys, which is standard practice for us before we can fully clear a player for game action.”
After the Mystics game, the Liberty will play the Chicago Sky on the road on Wednesday.
Chris DeMarco Heaped Praise on His Team
The New York Liberty’s season started on a disappointing note. Only a few weeks ago, they had more losses than wins. Then Chris DeMarco’s team started to get back on track, and it is currently on a six-game winning streak.
After New York’s fifth straight win, DeMarco said he was proud of his team.
“It’s just been like, this seems like every game, something different, you know, if somebody’s out and we just found a way to get wins,” DeMarco said. “Really proud of the group. … I was worried about this game coming in here, and then last minute, JJ being out … I thought we showed great togetherness.”
With Ionescu’s possible return on Sunday, the Liberty will be an even stronger team and would like to extend their winning streak.
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