The Liberty’s starting lineup has suffered yet another setback. And this time, you can bet that the franchise is in no mood to take chances. They have already learned the hard way with Jonquel Jones. She had initially suffered only a low-grade ankle sprain on June 5 and was then out for two weeks before returning for Tuesday’s home game against the Phoenix. There, she re-aggravated her injury because of being brought back too soon. So, rushing Sabrina Ionescu’s return wasn’t on the table this time.
Although Coach Sandy Brondello explained that with Jonquel Jones, “We always ask the players if they’re good to go. She felt she was good to go,” it’s clear that going forward, the Liberty won’t rely solely on a player’s word, even for minor injuries. That’s why Sabrina Ionescu was held out against the Storm today. Adding to their challenges, Leonie Fiebich remains overseas, representing Germany in EuroBasket. All of this makes Ionescu’s recovery and timely return all the more critical for New York.
After all, they’re trying really hard to move up the double-digit winning ladder. That could’ve happened in today’s game against the Storm, only if Sab was present, so…
What happened to Sabrina Ionescu?
The New York Liberty walked into Sunday’s game against Seattle at a serious disadvantage. They were missing three starters, and that made all the difference. Without Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Leonie Fiebich, they dropped to 10-3 after taking the loss in Seattle. Ionescu’s last-minute absence came because “she woke up with a bit of a kink in her neck.”
Sandy Brondello says that Sabrina Ionescu will not play tonight after waking up with a neck issue: pic.twitter.com/Y1CClZ1kCO
— New York Liberty Videos (@SNYLiberty) June 22, 2025
The issue apparently started after their cross-country flight on Friday. During Saturday’s practice, Sabrina Ionescu had to step aside to work on her neck and back. But things took a turn overnight. As coach Sandy Brondello explained: “I think it was from the flight, just feeling tired, but it’s just worse today.”
Brondello explained why the team took extra precautions and kept Ionescu out against the Storm: “She had something similar last year so we want to be really mindful about [the] big picture.” The team has listed her as day-to-day; that update hints that she might be ready to suit up against the Golden State next. Now, all attention has turned to Wednesday’s game, where Ionescu could make her return to the Bay Area, as a native.
How did the Liberty cope (or couldn’t)?
The Liberty were cruising through the season like never before. However, when the Indiana Fever stunned them with 102-88, it ended their perfect June. That loss even started a troubling trend. They have now fallen in three of their last four games at the worst possible time.
When they dropped the 89-81 game to Phoenix, they still had their full roster. Including Sabrina Ionescu and a not-yet-ready Jonquel Jones. Breanna Stewart exploded for 35 points, but got little to no help. Ionescu had a cold shooting night, going 1-for-10, and the bench managed just 14 total points. Even with all their bigs on the hardwood, things did not click well.
But it went from bad to worse against Seattle on Sunday. Without both Ionescu (stiff neck) and Jonquel Jones (ankle), the Liberty looked completely disjointed. Their offense absolutely stalled, turnovers mounted, and they fell 89-79. It only proved just how vital their stars and their perfect health are. Stewart’s 18 points simply weren’t enough without her usual supporting cast.
The only way they get out of this slump is by making sure that each and every player on their roster is contributing.
The post What Happened to Sabrina Ionescu? Why Did NY Liberty Star Not Play Against Seattle Storm? appeared first on EssentiallySports.
