SAN FRANCISCO — Sabrina Ionescu on Wednesday night time stepped as much as the free-throw line with 8.9 seconds left with the sport within the stability.
Her WNBA homecoming had not gone in any respect the way in which she would have hoped.
However she delivered when the workforce wanted her essentially the most.
Regardless of the boos and waving arms attempting to distract her, Ionescu drained back-to-back free throws.
The Valkyries tried to feed the recent hand of Kate Martin, who had drained 4 3s within the fourth quarter, nevertheless it was no good, resulting in the Liberty’s 81-78 win.
The Valkyries may not have essentially the most star-studded roster, however they’re fighters.
That was evident Wednesday, regardless of the loss.
Martin scored 14 of her team-high 21 factors within the fourth quarter.
However the Liberty managed to efficiently shut out the sport to snap their two-game shedding streak.
Breanna Stewart scored 21 of her 23 factors within the first half.
She additionally had 10 rebounds for her second double-double this season.
Kennedy Burke contributed a monstrous 20 factors and 5 rebounds off the bench.
It was essentially the most factors she’s scored in a recreation since 2020.
Ionescu missed her first six photographs and had just one level heading into the fourth quarter.
She completed with 11 factors, seven rebounds and 4 assists.
She additionally had an vital steal with fewer than 26 seconds to play and scored seven factors within the last two minutes.
The Liberty improved to 11-3 and head to Phoenix subsequent, the place they’ll play the Mercury on Friday.
