Sabrina Ionescu left a preseason game with an ankle injury and will have an MRI, raising questions ahead of the Liberty’s season start.
A single awkward landing in a preseason game has turned Sabrina Ionescu’s status into the biggest early question for the New York Liberty.
Ionescu limped to the locker room during the Liberty’s preseason matchup in Connecticut after driving to the basket and landing awkwardly early in the third quarter.. She did not return. and her absence immediately became the focus of postgame updates for a team that is being positioned as a top contender.
In this context, Misryoum notes that ankle injuries can change how quickly athletes regain confidence in their movement, even when symptoms initially seem manageable.
After the game. Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco said Ionescu “rolled her ankle” and that she would undergo an MRI on Monday.. The star guard was seen wearing a boot on her left foot afterward. underscoring that the organization is taking the injury seriously rather than treating it as a minor setback.
While the Liberty have reasons for optimism on the court. the franchise has also learned how quickly availability can shift when injuries strike at the wrong time.. Misryoum adds that the wait for results can be its own challenge for teams and fans alike. because it affects everything from practice plans to early-season rotations.
This season carries extra pressure for New York: the Liberty have retained their core “Big 3” by re-signing Breanna Stewart. Jonquel Jones. and Ionescu. and they added Satou Sabally to build a deeper group.. On paper. New York and the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces are viewed as closely matched at the top. but preseason injuries serve as a reminder that matchups are decided in real time. not in standings.
If Ionescu’s MRI confirms a less severe injury, the Liberty may be able to manage her workload and aim for a timely return. If the results point to a longer recovery, New York will likely have to adjust early and lean on its depth from the start.
The Liberty open the 2026 regular season by hosting the Connecticut Sun at Barclays Center next Friday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. EST. For now, Misryoum says the only certainty is that the MRI will shape the team’s immediate decisions and, potentially, its season trajectory.