Brooklyn, NY — Sabrina Ionescu delivered a stellar all-around performance on Monday night, scoring 28 points to power the New York Liberty to an 87–78 win over the Las Vegas Aces — a game that took a turn when Aces star A’ja Wilson exited in the first half with a wrist injury.
Wilson went down midway through the second quarter after a hard fall and remained on the court for several minutes, surrounded by concerned teammates and staff. She was later ruled out with a right wrist injury but returned to the bench in the third quarter with her wrist heavily wrapped. Her absence proved costly in the second half.
With the game knotted at 72 in the fourth quarter, New York (13–6) seized control, going on an 8–0 run led by Ionescu, who also tallied eight rebounds and eight assists. The Aces failed to score again after a basket with 5:41 remaining, while the Liberty sealed the game at the free-throw line.
Despite missing several key players — including Natasha Cloud (hip), Jonquel Jones (ankle), and Isabelle Harrison (knee) — the Liberty held firm. Ionescu and Leonie Fiebich, who recently returned to the lineup, combined for 18 points in the first half. The Libs’ lead peaked at nine, but a late layup by Jackie Young gave Las Vegas a 42–40 edge heading into the break.
Young paced the Aces (9–10) with 19 points, while NaLyssa Smith and Chelsea Gray chipped in with 11 apiece. But the Aces couldn’t keep pace late without their MVP.
The Liberty’s depth and Ionescu’s leadership carried the night — and dealt Las Vegas a tough blow as they await an update on Wilson’s status.
