Sabrina Ionescu Undergoes Thumb Surgery After Gritty WNBA Finals Performance
New York Liberty fans, brace yourselves. Star guard Sabrina Ionescu, the heart and soul of the Liberty’s championship run, underwent a procedure on Friday to stabilize the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in her right thumb. Team sources confirmed the news to ESPN on Sunday, and while the surgery was deemed a success, it sheds light on the incredible resilience Ionescu displayed during the WNBA Finals.
The procedure was performed by Dr. Steven S. Shin, a renowned surgeon, and according to reports, Ionescu has already begun her rehabilitation process. The timeline for her return to on-court activities is approximately four weeks, giving Liberty fans hope that their star will be back in action soon.
A Hidden Injury During the Finals
Here’s where things get even more impressive. Ionescu sustained a high-grade UCL tear in her right, shooting hand during Game 4 of the WNBA Finals. For those unfamiliar, the UCL is located on the inside edge of the thumb, near where it meets the palm. It’s a critical ligament for grip and control, especially for a shooter like Ionescu. Yet, despite the injury, she powered through Game 5, a winner-take-all showdown against the Minnesota Lynx, with a performance that was nothing short of gutsy.
While her shooting numbers were far from her usual standards—she went 1-for-19 from the field—her impact on the game was undeniable. Ionescu contributed in every other way possible, recording seven rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and one block. It’s the kind of all-around effort that defines champions, and it helped the Liberty secure their first-ever WNBA title.
A Birthday in the Operating Room
As if the story couldn’t get more dramatic, Ionescu turned 27 on the same day as her surgery. She even took to social media to share a photo of herself in a hospital bed, captioning it with a touch of humor: “Getting my thumb fixed was quite the bday present.” The post quickly garnered attention from fans and teammates alike, who flooded the comments with well-wishes and admiration for her toughness.
A Season to Remember
Despite the injury, Ionescu’s 2023 season was nothing short of spectacular. The former Oregon standout and 2020 No. 1 overall pick was the Liberty’s second-leading scorer during the playoffs, averaging 16.9 points per game. Her contributions were instrumental in guiding New York to their historic championship. Along the way, she earned second-team All-WNBA honors, added an Olympic gold medal with USA Basketball to her resume, and capped it all off with her first WNBA title. Talk about a year to remember!
What’s Next for Ionescu and the Liberty?
With Ionescu expected to return to on-court activities in about a month, the Liberty can breathe a sigh of relief. The team will undoubtedly be cautious with her recovery, ensuring she’s fully healed before resuming her role as the team’s floor general. For Liberty fans, the wait will be worth it. After all, Ionescu has already proven she’s willing to put it all on the line for her team.
Key Takeaways
- Injury Details: Ionescu sustained a high-grade UCL tear in her shooting hand during Game 4 of the WNBA Finals.
- Surgery Success: The procedure to stabilize her thumb was successful, and she’s expected to return in four weeks.
- Finals Heroics: Despite the injury, Ionescu contributed in multiple ways during Game 5, helping the Liberty secure their first WNBA championship.
- Season Highlights: Second-team All-WNBA honors, an Olympic gold medal, and a WNBA title made 2023 a banner year for Ionescu.
As the Liberty prepare for the next season, one thing is clear: Sabrina Ionescu is the kind of player who leaves it all on the court, no matter the circumstances. Her toughness, skill, and leadership have already cemented her as one of the league’s brightest stars. Here’s wishing her a speedy recovery and an even brighter future ahead!
Originally Written by: Unknown
