Sabrina Ionescu Is Already Lighting Up the WNBA

New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu dropped 33 points in her second career WNBA game, adding seven rebounds and seven assists.

Sabrina Ionescu is ready for the WNBA

Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu had little troubling torching the NCAA in her four years at Oregon, earning three Pac-12 Player of the Year honors in her final three seasons with the Ducks. And it looks as though Ionescu is ready for another run of dominance at the next level. 

Wednesday marked Ionescu's second career WNBA game, but the rookie guard appeared right at home against professional competition. Ionescu led all scorers with 33 points, adding seven rebounds and seven assists. One of the best players in NCAA history could be on her way to making a similar mark in the WNBA. 

The Liberty still dropped Wednesday's contest to Dallas despite Ionescu's brilliance, falling to 0–2 in 2020. And Ionescu's reaction postgame may be more impressive than her stat line. The former Oregon star formed a reputation as one of the NCAA's most competitive stars during her time in Eugene. It seems as though that quality has certainly carried over to the next level. 

"The game, obviously not happy because we didn’t win," Ionescu said postgame. "So that part still isn’t up to my standard, our standard as a team and an organization."

The best of SI

The MLB botched Joe Kelly's suspension, but Rob Manfred's mistake extends beyond Wednesday's decision. ... The NBA bubble has become a content bonanza for players. ... Veteran third baseman Josh Donaldson is a perfect fit in Minnesota.

Around the sports world

The ACC released plans for its 2020 football schedule amid the COVID-19 crisis. ...Chiefs running back Damien Williams is the latest marquee player to opt out of the 2020 season. ...Former Mets shortstop José Reyes has retired after 16 seasons. ... Zion Williamson is a game-time decision vs. Utah as the NBA restart begins on Thursday night. 

Lamar leads the way

More conventional Astros-Dodgers drama

Zlatan keeps rolling

Bad blood extends to NHL bubble

Mahomes living his best life

Not sports

Southern California was hit by a 4.2 magnitude earthquake on Thursday morning. ... Texas Representative Louie Gohmert has tested positive for COVID-19. ... The United States birth rate is expected to fall by roughly a half million in 2021. ... Michelle Obama's podcast on Spotify aired its first episode on Wednesday.

A good song

Email dan.gartland@si.com with any feedback or follow him on Twitter for approximately one half-decent baseball joke per week. Bookmark this page to see previous editions of Hot Clicks and find the newest edition every day. By popular request I’ve made a Spotify playlist of the music featured here. Visit our Extra Mustard page throughout each day for more offbeat sports stories.


Published
Michael Shapiro
MICHAEL SHAPIRO

Michael Shapiro is a staff writer for Sports Illustrated. He is a Denver native and 2018 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin.