Sabrina Ionescu is having unprecedented WNBA postseason

Ionescu's historic playoff run comes after she averaged a career-high 19.4 points in the regular season to help the Liberty (32-8) clinch the best record in the league. 

The uptick in numbers across the board is a testament to Ionescu's growth as a player. Last season, she averaged 10.7 points and 4.7 assists in Liberty's 10 postseason games, which ended with a crushing 3-1 finals loss to the Aces. She was the fourth scoring option behind Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Betnijah Laney, and was mostly used as a spot-up shooter by head coach Sandy Brondello.

However, Brondello put her faith in Ionescu as a go-to option in the 2024 season, especially in clutch moments, and the results are there for all to see. During Tuesday's game, for example, Ionescu was the primary ballhandler and decision maker down the stretch and came up big when called upon.

While New York is a win away from returning to the finals, Ionescu has warned her teammates against complacency. In her news conference, Ionescu channeled her inner Kobe Bryant by saying, "We haven't won anything." During the 2009 NBA Finals, Bryant commented similarly after the Lakers took a 2-0 lead over the Magic. Ionescu had developed a bond with Bryant before the latter's tragic death in 2020. 

The Aces will host Liberty in Game 3 of the best-of-five series on Friday.