SAN FRANCISCO — The status of Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu for her upcoming home game in the Bay Area on Tuesday is still uncertain.
Coach Sandy Brondello mentioned that after missing the last four games due to injuries, Ionescu has shown some progress and participated in individual training on Monday afternoon.
“She knows her body,” Brondello remarked. “I can’t say for sure if she will play tomorrow or not… It’s a wait-and-see.”
Ionescu is reportedly considered “day-to-day” after injuring her left big toe during Wednesday’s practice.
This toe injury came just days after another incident where Sky Center’s Camila Cardoso collided into Ionescu’s leg during a loose ball situation.
This isn’t the first time Ionescu has approached a homecoming game with a questionable status. Previously, during the last match at Chase Center, she dealt with a stiff neck that made movements quite challenging.
This season, Ionescu has averaged 18.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.9 rebounds over 36 games.
Nyara Sabally, who hasn’t participated since before the All-Star break, is also listed as questionable for Tuesday’s matchup. She has only recently started the ramp-up process.
Practice is indeed a rare luxury during the WNBA season, often hampered by scheduling conflicts. However, the Liberty were able to take advantage during an unusual break, and team dynamics, particularly on defense, came under focus. Emma Meesseman expressed that sessions like Monday’s are crucial for the team. “It was productive. We bonded over some challenging moments and got to communicate more,” she shared. “It just feels good to connect on the same wavelength. Live basketball practice is always beneficial.”
Even though the Liberty’s defense was among the top three in 2024, this season has presented different challenges. The frequent injuries affecting the lineup have hampered the team’s chemistry.
Still, Meesseman holds an optimistic view about the defensive improvements. “We’ve adjusted a few strategies and taken time to clarify our [defensive] identity. After today’s practice, I’m eager to see how we implement this on the court on Tuesday and gauge our progress. I believe today’s efforts will pay off in the long run.”
