- WNBA. Angel Reese turns heads courtside with celebrity-approved outfit and chic Balenciaga bag
- WNBA. Caitlin Clark would give her approval to Stephanie White as Indiana Fever's new coach for a reason
Sabrina Ionescu's performance in the WNBA Finals has sparked much conversation among fans and analysts alike. The New York Liberty's star guard faced a challenging Game 5, where she connected on just 1 of 19 field goal attempts in a 67-62 win over the Minnesota Lynx.
This followed a similarly tough Game 4, in which she went 5-for-15 from the field. Reports now reveal that a significant injury could be behind Ionescu's shooting struggles during these high-stakes games.
According to ESPN's Alexa Philippou, Ionescu sustained a "high-grade UCL tear" in her right thumb during Game 4, an injury that likely impacted her shooting mechanics and overall performance. The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is essential for stabilizing the thumb, and an injury to this area can severely disrupt the control and power needed for shooting.
For fans, this revelation provides insight into why Ionescu, known for her scoring prowess, appeared to struggle as the series intensified.
The Unseen Physical Toll of the WNBA Playoffs
The playoffs are a grueling stretch in any athlete's season, and Ionescu's injury is a reminder of the unseen physical demands players face. In the WNBA, injury reports can often be less transparent than in other leagues, leaving fans and analysts unaware of the full extent of the challenges players endure.
Despite her injury, Ionescu had delivered one of the season's most memorable moments before her thumb's decline, hitting a game-winning three-pointer in Game 3 that gave the Liberty a pivotal 2-1 lead in the series.
Throughout the playoffs, Ionescu maintained strong averages with 16.9 points per game on 39.6% shooting, along with 5.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists. Her contributions helped propel the Liberty to their first-ever WNBA championship, capping off a remarkable season in which they finished with a 32-8 record.
Ionescu herself was honored with a Second Team All-WNBA selection after averaging 18.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.4 rebounds during the regular season.
Fortunately, reports suggest Ionescu's injury will not require surgery, unlike cases such as NBA guard CJ McCollum, who underwent surgery for a similar UCL injury in April 2023.
Recently, Ionescu was seen at a Brooklyn Nets game with teammate Jonquel Jones, wearing a protective sleeve on her injured hand, a visible sign of her recovery journey.
As the WNBA landscape continues to evolve, Ionescu's resilience and skill keep her in the spotlight. Despite this injury setback, she remains a force to watch in the seasons ahead, embodying the tenacity that has defined her journey so far.