INDIANAPOLIS — Sabrina Ionescu Finding Her Form Again

Not too long ago, Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu seemed off her game.

She dealt with an injury that kept her sidelined for much of the season’s beginnings, and once she was back, she had a bumpy start.

Ionescu downplayed the idea that her back issues were still an obstacle.

During a challenging game, coach Chris DeMarco opted to bench her in the closing moments of a loss in Los Angeles.

But those worries about Ionescu? They now feel like a distant past.

Entering Saturday, she was averaging 21.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.8 steals, riding a season-high four-game winning streak.

Interestingly, Ionescu didn’t delve into her impressive performance until later after Saturday’s intensified match.

“I’m just focused on winning and making a positive difference for the team,” Ionescu mentioned. “Some players contribute to wins, while others don’t.”

However, Liberty has faced its fourth consecutive loss following Saturday’s 108-88 defeat to the Fever, a game where Ionescu scored just 12 points. She described the last few weeks as a “difficult process.”

Deep down, she was confident she’d eventually find her rhythm.

Nonetheless, Liberty’s inconsistent play remains a bit troubling for a team with undeniable potential.

“We’re very mature about it,” Ionescu expressed. “It’s not that frustrating. Every team goes through this. Everyone understands. … It’s rough while you’re in the moment but I think we all have a solid mindset knowing this will benefit us in the long run.”

Meanwhile, leaders of the National Women’s Basketball Players Association are planning a meeting with the league next week to tackle the rising tide of online harassment faced by players recently.

WNBPA Vice President Breanna Stewart shared that the executive committee was invited to this discussion.

While Stewart wasn’t sure what prompted the meeting, she felt positive about it occurring.

“Even if it’s merely to highlight how we can continue communicating and support each other through this,” Stewart stated. “It’s crucial for there to be an open dialogue. This is a growing pain associated with having a larger reach and platform, guiding people on safety.”

This week, star guard Chelsea Gray revealed a troubling image of a direct Instagram message that included a racial slur.

“People act as if we’re exaggerating,” she noted. “And the nerve to tell us, as athletes, ‘just shut up and dribble.’”