Sabrina Ionescu survives shaky homecoming with key free throws in Libertys win over Valkyries

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA.SAN FRANCISCO — Sabrina Ionescu on Wednesday night stepped up to the free-throw line with 8.9 seconds left with the game in the balance.Her WNBA homecoming had not gone at all the way she would have hoped.But she delivered when the team needed her the most.Despite the boos and waving arms trying to distract her, Ionescu drained back-to-back free throws.The Valkyries tried to feed the hot hand of Kate Martin, who had drained four 3s in the fourth quarter, but it was no good, leading to the Liberty’s 81-78 win.The Valkyries might not have the most star-studded roster, but they’re fighters.That was evident Wednesday, despite the loss.Martin scored 14 of her team-high 21 points in the fourth quarter.But the Liberty managed to successfully close out the game to snap their two-game losing streak.Breanna Stewart scored 21 of her 23 points in the first half.

She also had 10 rebounds for her second double-double this season.Kennedy Burke contributed a monstrous 20 points and five rebounds off the bench.It was the most points she’s scored in a game since 2020.Ionescu missed her first six shots and had only one point heading into the fourth quarter.

She finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists.She also had an important steal with fewer than 26 seconds to play and scored seven points in the final two minutes.The Liberty improved to 11-3 and head to Phoenix next, where they’ll play the Mercury on Friday.

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