Sabrina Ionescu got what she wanted in her first two fights in Brooklyn, but what happened in Las Vegas on Friday night will make her want to stay in Las Vegas.
The All-Star guard was swarmed by opposing defenders and endured a rough shooting night, but scored just four points in Liberty's 95-81 loss in Game 3 against the Aces.
Ionescu averaged 24.5 points in his first four playoff games (including 24 points in Game 2 of this series), but was unable to help the Liberty suffer their first loss of the postseason.
She missed 6-of-7 field goals, committed five turnovers and scored minus-23 points in 30 minutes.
“She's been playing great, so obviously they wanted to make her play tough, and I think they did,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said. “She has to continue to trust it. We get the ball back to her and [shots] Something that is open. She missed some of the open ones she usually makes, but sometimes the team can get her up to speed. ”
Ace guard Chelsea Gray said the key against Ionescu is “paying attention to every detail from the pick-and-roll and making sure she doesn't get comfortable.”
Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon similarly said it was a matter of “trying to make Sabrina uncomfortable and not let her get down in the paint.”
When asked to rate how it worked out, Hammon added, “Plus, great job.”
In fact, Ionescu was shut out for the first three quarters.
She did not score until there were nine minutes left in the game.
“She's going to be okay,” Brondello said. “She's a competitor. She's going to take this on her nose and be ready to play in the next game.” [on Sunday]”
