Ionescu Takes Blame as Liberty Face Elimination

Sabrina Ionescu shouldered responsibility for the New York Liberty's heartbreaking overtime loss to the Atlanta Dream, stating "This loss is on me" as the team now faces elimination in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals.

The Liberty fell behind 2-0 in the best-of-five series after Wednesday night's 101-98 overtime thriller, putting them one loss away from their season ending. No WNBA team has ever come back from an 0-2 deficit in a best-of-five playoff series.

"I got to take it on the chin and I got to be better," Ionescu told reporters following the game. The Liberty will return home Friday for Game 3, with their season on the brink.

Despite teammates delivering crucial shots, Ionescu struggled to find her rhythm. "The mentality is just that it’s not over," she said, expressing confidence in the team's ability to rally.

Ionescu's self-blame stemmed partly from a critical late-game possession. With the Dream leading by one point and 10 seconds left in overtime, Ionescu drove the lane, saw defenders closing in, and threw a pass out of bounds. "It was a bad pass, that’s on me," she admitted. "That’s one that I need to be able to make a better pass or finish." She finished Game 2 with 10 points on 3-of-8 shooting, along with four rebounds, seven assists, and two turnovers.

This season has presented numerous challenges for Ionescu, who missed the start of the season with a left foot injury and has been managing a persistent back issue. Despite these setbacks, she has experienced moments of brilliance throughout the season.

Atlanta's defense and physicality disrupted the Liberty's offense in the first two games, and New York needs a full team effort to extend the series. For Ionescu, that means making decisive plays without hesitation.

"Bouncing back is what I’ve done my whole career," Ionescu said. "You’re gonna win, you’re gonna lose, you’re gonna hit a game-winner, you’re gonna turn it over. It’s just part of sports."