Sabrina Ionescu Set for MRI After Injury Scare in Liberty Preseason Game

New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu will have an injury she suffered in the preseason further evaluated.

Sep 19, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) dribbles against the Phoenix Mercury during the first half of game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The biggest priority in the WNBA preseason should be to emerge unscathed. Injuries can occur at any time, but perhaps the most inopportune one is during exhibition contests right before the season tips off for real.

Said scenario played out in an injury scare New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu suffered Sunday during a preseason win over the Connecticut Sun. In the third quarter, Ionescu appeared to land awkwardly on her ankle while coming down on or near the foot of Sun player Diamond Miller.

Ionescu stayed on the floor for a moment before she got up and signaled toward the Liberty bench, and immediately exited for the locker room.

Sabrina Ionescu took an awkward landing on a drive attempt and immediately went to the locker room. Looked to do so on her own strength, albeit a bit gingerly #WNBA pic.twitter.com/PxECNPNT5g

— Geoff Magliocchetti (@GeoffJMags) May 3, 2026

After the game, Liberty coach Chris DeMarco said that Ionescu just rolled her ankle, but that she would still undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury.

DeMarco later said the indications were "positive" in answering a follow up question.

Chris DeMarco on Sab's injury, via a @DougFeinberg follow-up: "It's positive, but we're still gonna do a test tomorrow." https://t.co/COUl7VPNzM

— Myles (@MylesEhrlich) May 3, 2026

Of course, there is probably extra caution used in Sabrina's case considering she had a Grade 3 left ankle sprain derail her rookie season in 2020 and this is the same ankle.

Ionescu Is Even More Important to Liberty This Season

Sep 17, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35), guard Sabrina Ionescu (20), and forward Breanna Stewart (30) watch from the bench against the Phoenix Mercury during game two of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Ionescu, who along with fellow superstars Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, re-upped on a max deal in order to remain in New York, is more integral to the Liberty roster than ever.

New York made a big offseason acquisition in Satou Sabally, and are a massive team overall. But if they are thin anywhere, it's in the backcourt. Ionescu will be relied upon for heavy ball handling duties and she obviously brings a threat from the beyond arc that isn't easily replaced. And in order for the Liberty to reach the team's championship goals, Ionescu will be needed to step up on the defensive end as well.

She is one of the WNBA's most well rounded guards, and her contributions will be key to balance the attack that the Liberty's skilled-size up front will present to opponents.

Ionescu averaged 18.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 2025. Numbers that aren't easy to come by from a lead guard.

Fortunately, it appears Ionescu's injury is minor and she won't miss much or any time. The Liberty are hoping the MRI confirms just that and that Ionescu is ready to lace them up for the regular season opener on Friday, May 8th versus the same Connecticut Sun team.