Ionescu out at least 2 weeks with ankle injury — Liberty open the season without her

Bad news for the Liberty before they tip off. Sabrina Ionescu rolled her left ankle in the third quarter of Sunday's preseason finale at Connecticut, landing awkwardly on a drive. She limped off and didn't return. Monday's MRI came back without significant damage — but New York announced she'll be re-evaluated in two weeks, ruling her out for the team's regular-season opener Friday against the Sun.

That math means Ionescu will miss at least the first four games of the season. The wrinkle that has Liberty fans nervous: it's the same left ankle that ended her rookie year in 2020 after just three games. The team is being cautious, but the comparison alone is enough to spike anxiety in New York.

The Liberty went big this offseason — re-signing Ionescu, Stewart, and Jonquel Jones, then adding Satou Sabally. The plan was a return trip to the Finals after losing in 2025. They'll have to start the title chase without their backcourt engine.