Sabrina Ionescu’s $5,150 Loss Brings Out an Trustworthy Opinion From NY Liberty Coach Sandy Brondello

Even after having the most effective seasons of her WNBA profession, rating ninth in factors, fifth in assists, and 4th in three-pointers, Sabrina Ionescu didn’t make it to the All-WNBA First Group; lacking out on the higher bonus quantity. Nonetheless, Sab secured her spot on the All-WNBA Second Group for the third yr in a row. However her coach, Sandy Brondello, doesn’t appear very pleased with it.

New York Liberty’s head coach wasn’t shy about sharing her ideas. “She had a very good yr…might’ve gone to that first [team],” Brondello remarked. She acknowledged how Sabrina’s efficiency within the first half of the season was stellar. 

However there was a slight dip when Sabrina missed some video games, and getting again into rhythm might need affected her possibilities. “However, total, she’s had an amazing yr and is a younger participant that continues to maintain getting higher and higher,” the HC added.

Together with the popularity, Sabrina might be lacking out on the $10,300 bonus that the All-WNBA First Group gamers will pocket. Together with Breanna Stewart. Jonquel Jones, nevertheless, joins the Second Group, receiving $5,150 in bonus, alongside Sab. “It’s nice to see the three of them there,” Brondello expressed.

The announcement got here simply forward of Recreation 3, and it was revealed that the three-time WNBA All-Star acquired 15 First-Group votes and 43 Second-Group votes. However it’s fairly onerous to digest. This season, Ionescu has raised her game, rising her scoring from 18.2 factors per recreation within the common season to 19.8. Though her numbers dipped after a robust first half of the season, she bounced again within the postseason. 

She’s at present averaging 17 factors, 4 assists, and three steals within the Finals. That’s how aggressive the WNBA is in the present day—too many stars and solely 5 spots on the First Group. This yr, they belong to Stewart, Napheesa Collier, A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, and Alyssa Thomas. Nevertheless, Sab is surprisingly chill. She didn’t let it ruffle her feathers.

‘Group win’ the only intention for Sabrina Ionescu 

“I don’t, to be sincere, actually care about any of these kinds of awards. Simply wish to be the very best I can and assist my staff win,” Ionescu acknowledged making it to the Second-Group. And certainly, she let or not it’s no trouble because the Liberty took on Minnesota Lynx of their dwelling turf. 

Whereas she did battle selecting up the tempo within the first two quarters, the Liberty #20 would seal the deal for her staff. Having added simply 10 factors to the scoreboard all through 4 quarters, remained energetic with 5 rebounds and 6 assists. However when the sport tied 77-77, Sab got here in together with her signature.

2 seconds left, she hit a 28-foot three level step again jumpshot to assist Liberty lead the sequence 2-1. Within the course of, she would surpass Crystal Robinson for many 3-pointers by a Liberty participant in postseason – 63. So the staff lastly has its momentum, simply as Jones hoped after 2019 Connecticut Solar vs Washington Mystics that robbed her of the title.

“Recreation 3 is tremendous vital… it’s going to be vital to alter the sway of all the things proper now on this recreation,” she had mentioned and so they have it.