Eugene, Oregon – Highlights from WNBA Preseason Game

Sabrina Ionescu exited the court during the game on Monday night, beaming as the crowd at Matthew Knight Arena applauded her performance.

This was followed by an emotional five-year tribute.

While her Liberty teammates and the opposing Toyota Antelope made their way to the bench, Ionescu paused at the center court “O.”

She wrapped up the game with a stunning 25 points, shooting 8 for 13, helping Liberty secure an 84-61 win in the New York preseason finale.

“We had talked about her playing for 25 minutes, and then I decided to take her out,” Coach Sandy Blondero explained. “She asked if she had to come out, and I said, ‘Yes, you’re done for the night.’ Her response was, ‘Okay, that’s a good thing.’

Blondero added, “It felt like a really special moment for her.”

Breanna Stewart also made a notable preseason debut, scoring 16 points on 7 of 9 shooting in just 15 minutes.

Liberty displayed far more cohesion in this finale compared to their recent loss against the Connecticut Sun at Barclays Center.

Monday’s matchup served as a homecoming for Ionescu and Nyara Sabally, marking the final preparation for Liberty before they kick off their title defense against the Las Vegas Ace on Saturday.