Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu silenced by Aces in Recreation 3 loss

Sabrina Ionescu bought what she wished within the first two video games in Brooklyn, however she’s going to need what occurred Friday evening in Las Vegas to remain in Vegas.

The All-Star guard was swarmed by opposing defenders and endured a ragged capturing evening, scoring simply 4 factors within the Liberty’s 95-81 highway loss in Recreation 3 to the Aces.

Ionescu got here in averaging 24.5 factors over her first 4 playoff appearances — together with 24 in a Recreation 2 victory on this collection — however she couldn’t get untracked within the Liberty’s first lack of the postseason.

She missed 6 of seven field-goal makes an attempt, dedicated 5 turnovers and completed minus-23 in half-hour.

“She’s been enjoying nice, so after all they need to make it arduous for her, and I believe they did,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello stated. “She’s bought to proceed to belief it. We’ll get the ball again to her and take the [shots] which might be open. She missed some open ones that she normally makes, however generally groups pace you up.”

Aces guard Chelsea Grey stated the important thing towards Ionescu was “our consideration to element coming off the pick-and-roll and simply ensuring she’s not comfy.”

Vegas coach Becky Hammon equally stated it was a matter of “making an attempt to make Sabrina uncomfortable and making an attempt to not let her get downhill” and into the paint.

“A-plus, nice job,” Hammon added when requested to evaluate how that labored out.

Certainly, Ionescu was shut down and shut out for the primary three quarters.

She didn’t rating till there have been 9 minutes remaining within the recreation.

“She’ll be effective,” Brondello stated. “She’s a competitor, she’ll take this on the nostril and are available able to play within the subsequent recreation [on Sunday].”