12 Moments Sabrina Ionescu Took Over the Court
From historic stat lines to unforgettable daggers, Sabrina Ionescu has built a legacy defined by big moments and bigger heart.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Sabrina Ionescu has quickly become one of the most electric and influential players in the WNBA. Her moments of brilliance aren’t just about stats — they’re about timing, courage, and the way she lifts everyone around her. Whether it’s draining a game-winner, dropping a triple-double, or rewriting record books, Ionescu continues to take over the court and redefine what leadership looks like in women’s basketball.
1. 2020 WNBA Debut vs. Dallas Wings (July 29, 2020)
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In just her second pro game, Sabrina dropped 33 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists against the Dallas Wings. It was a reminder that the hype from Oregon wasn’t just noise — she was the real deal, even against seasoned pros. Her fearless pull-up threes and command of the offense looked like something out of a veteran’s playbook.
2. 2022 Triple-Double vs. Las Vegas Aces (July 6, 2022)
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Sabrina recorded the first ever 30-point triple-double in WNBA history, tallying 31 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. She lit up the Aces with her scoring while still feeding her teammates and dominating the glass. It wasn’t just a performance — it was a message that she could control every facet of the game.
3. 2021 Game-Winner vs. Indiana Fever (May 14, 2021)
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With the game tied and just seconds remaining, Ionescu drained a cold-blooded three to seal the Liberty’s win. It was her first WNBA game-winner, a dagger that silenced the crowd and lifted her teammates in celebration. That shot was more than clutch — it marked her return from injury in full force.
4. 2023 WNBA All-Star 3-Point Contest (July 14, 2023)
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Sabrina put on an all-time shooting display, scoring 37 out of a possible 40 points, shattering the record for any WNBA or NBA contest. She missed just two shots the entire round, hitting 20 in a row at one point. Watching her sink shot after shot with a smile, the crowd didn’t just cheer; they stood in awe.
5. 2022 Regular Season Finale vs. Atlanta Dream
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With playoff hopes on the line, Ionescu poured in 18 points and eight assists to push the Liberty into the postseason. Her composure in crunch time helped orchestrate a comeback when the team trailed late. Every possession seemed to run through her hands, and she made the right decision every time.
6. 2021 vs. Minnesota Lynx
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Ionescu posted her first career triple-double, finishing with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. She became the youngest player in WNBA history to reach that mark. The way she flowed through the game — it didn’t even feel forced, just natural dominance.
7. 2022 vs. Chicago Sky (June 12, 2022)
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Sabrina dropped a season-high 27 points on the defending champions, outdueling Courtney Vandersloot and Kahleah Copper in the process. She carved through the Sky’s defense with precision, mixing her scoring with no-look assists. The Liberty upset the champs, and Ionescu was at the heart of every big play.
8. 2023 vs. Phoenix Mercury
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Ionescu racked up 31 points and went 6-of-11 from deep to dismantle the Mercury on the road. She had the ball on a string and the defense guessing wrong all night. It was one of those nights where every shot felt inevitable as soon as it left her hands.
9. 2022 vs. Washington Mystics
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Sabrina exploded for 24 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a tough win over a strong defensive team. She nailed back-to-back threes in the final minutes to seal the game. Against one of the league’s top defenses, she found ways to shine without forcing anything.
10. 2021 vs. Chicago Sky
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Even in a loss, Sabrina made headlines for her passing vision, dropping 11 dimes, many of them highlight-worthy no-looks and full-court feeds. Her court vision felt like watching magic unfold live. She kept the Liberty in the game longer than they had any business being.
11. 2023 Playoff Game 2 vs. Washington Mystics
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In a must-win elimination game, Ionescu delivered 20 points and seven assists, orchestrating the Liberty offense to perfection. Her intensity lifted her teammates, and she was calm under pressure during key possessions. She didn’t just survive the moment — she owned it.
12. 2023 WNBA Finals Game 3 vs. Las Vegas Aces
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Though the Liberty fell short, Ionescu played with grit, dropping 13 points and delivering multiple clutch buckets to keep New York close. Her fire never dimmed, and she refused to back down from a powerhouse Aces squad. Even in defeat, she showed the fight of a future champion.