New York Liberty star guard Sabrina Ionescu will sit out Saturday night’s matchup with the Indiana Fever due to continuing back discomfort.
The guard, who was listed as questionable heading into Saturday’s contest, has only appeared in one of New York’s 10 games this season, with the team holding a 6-4 record. She was absent for the opening five contests due to an ankle injury sustained during preseason, then returned to action against the Dallas Wings on May 24. During that appearance, she contributed 11 points along with seven assists and five rebounds.
Following that contest, back problems began affecting her and she has remained out of the lineup since then.
“She wants to be out there, and she’s trying her best, and she’s getting better,” Liberty Coach Chris DeMarco told ESPN during Saturday morning’s shootaround. “Hopefully we’ll have her on a road trip.”
DeMarco mentioned that Ionescu participated in Friday’s practice but experienced soreness in her back following the session. The Friday practice marked the first time this season that all New York players took part together.
Ionescu described her back condition as “getting better, day-by-day,” and expressed her desire to participate in Saturday’s game.
“See how I feel, taking every day in stride and see how it responds to what I do,” Ionescu said. “It is what it is. I haven’t really tried to think too much into it. It’s still early. Want to be out there competing. It’s part of sports. Deal with it as it comes.”
In Ionescu’s absence, rookie guard Pauline Astier has stepped up, posting averages of 11.8 points, 3.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds per contest.
