Sabrina Ionescu demonstrated her scoring prowess during Game 4 of the WNBA semifinals, leading the New York Liberty to a decisive victory over the Las Vegas Aces and securing a spot in the Finals. After a quiet performance in Game 3, where she managed only four points, Ionescu bounced back with determination, finishing the game with 22 points.
The Liberty’s assistant coach recognized Ionescu’s focused mindset during warm-ups, noting her confident demeanor. This season, Ionescu has not only expanded her skill set but also grown into a more vocal leader on the court. Her aggressive approach set the tone for the game, helping the Liberty secure a 76-62 win.
Breanna Stewart also played a pivotal role, contributing 19 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks. Their combined efforts were crucial in overcoming early foul trouble and keeping the game competitive, especially in a strong fourth-quarter performance.
This victory served as a form of redemption for the Liberty, who faced the Aces in the previous year’s Finals. However, players emphasized that their focus remains on the bigger picture—championship aspirations rather than past rivalries.
The Finals are set to begin in New York on Thursday, where the Liberty will face either the Minnesota Lynx or the Connecticut Sun, determined by an upcoming Game 5.
Ionescu’s resurgence in Game 4 was facilitated by strategic adjustments in ballhandling duties, allowing her to play more aggressively. The coaching staff recognized the need to diversify their offensive strategy, empowering Stewart to take on more responsibilities.
The Liberty’s defensive strategy also showed significant improvement. They held the Aces to their lowest scoring output of the season, particularly excelling in the fourth quarter. After entering the final period with a narrow two-point lead, New York tightened their defense, showcasing their growth from previous matchups.
Center Jonquel Jones noted the importance of teamwork in defending against A’ja Wilson, the Aces’ star forward. Wilson scored 16 points through the first three quarters but was effectively neutralized in the fourth, failing to take a shot for the first seven and a half minutes.
This collective defensive effort resulted in a dominating 23-11 score in the fourth quarter, a testament to the Liberty’s chemistry and trust in one another. Players attribute this improved synergy to a shared experience from last season’s painful loss and ongoing team-building efforts.
As the Liberty prepare for the Finals, they carry with them a newfound confidence and determination to prove themselves as the best team in the WNBA. With the spotlight now on them, the Liberty aim to capitalize on their momentum and achieve their championship goals.
