The reigning WNBA champions, New York Liberty, started the 2025 campaign sensationally, winning each of their opening nine fixtures. However, the magical start may not have been as impressive as it seemed with the franchise falling to its fifth defeat in seven games.
New York is currently without Jonquel Jones as the center continues to recover from a right ankle sprain suffered against the Phoenix Mercury on June 19. In addition, the 2024 champions are also awaiting the return of Leonie Fiebich to the available roster after her impressive EuroBasket campaign, which saw the star carry Germany to a fifth-place finish, averaging 14.8 points and six rebounds per game.
However, the Liberty's primary issue is far closer to home, with Sabrina Ionescu desperately attempting to rediscover the dazzling form that heavily contributed to her franchise winning their first-ever WNBA championship.
Sabrina Ionescu's shooting woes continue
Despite registering 14 points during the 81-90 defeat to the Atlanta Dream, Ionescu struggled to replicate the devastating shooting that has cemented the star as one of the deadliest players in the league. The 27-year-old sank just five of her 15 field goal attempts on the night, making a significant contribution to New York's second consecutive defeat.
Unfortunately, this has become a recurring theme over the guard's last four performances, with Ionescu shooting under 25 percent from the floor on three occasions. The Oregon graduate's worrying performances seemingly reached rock bottom during the 81-78 victory against the Golden State Valkyries on June 26, registering a 9.1 field goal percentage.
It appears that the high-clip shooter's confidence has not wavered as the star has still averaged around 13 shots per game over this woeful period. This statistic also highlights the trust that head coach Sandy Brondello continues to have in Ionescu as they look to steer their campaign back onto the correct course.
Even with this shooting slump, Ionescu is currently recording career-high numbers in points and steals. The three-time All-Star is currently averaging 18.6 points and 1.5 steals per game, providing the Liberty with much-needed relief on both sides of the ball.
New York must stop the bleeding and ignite their performances once again before the postseason becomes a reality. With Fiebich's return to the franchise imminent, the scoring and playmaking burden that Ionescu currently carries will be lightened. Fans will be hoping that this will be the solution that will allow their superstar to shine again or the consequences could be catastrophic.