Sabrina Ionescu’s simple message after Liberty takes 2-0 series lead

The New York Liberty could finally free themselves from the Las Vegas Aces thanks to a historic Game 2 from Sabrina Ionescu. Well, just like last year’s WNBA Finals, they need one more win to feel satisfied with the job they’ve done. That’s why Ionescu’s simple message to the locker room after taking a 2-0 lead in the WNBA playoff series was heard loud and clear.

“To be down 2-0 is awesome,” Ionescu said, according to WNBA reporter Khristina Williams. “We didn’t win anything. Everyone here knows it. We did what we were supposed to do, which was protect the playing field. It’s not like we’re patting ourselves on the back. We don’t celebrate or talk about our happiness. This is not what we came to do. We’re not happy to just win two games at home and be satisfied.

“We are a hungry group,” added Ionescu. “We are happy with how we are doing today. We fought. They came out swinging and playing very aggressive. To see how we stayed together and progressed quarter after quarter. We made big plays when we needed to. We now have a great opportunity to win first on their home turf. We do not take them lightly.

Ionescu finished with 24 points, nine rebounds and five assists. The Liberty star became just the second player (Diana Taurasi) with at least 20 points and five assists while shooting over 50 percent in three straight WNBA playoff games, according to ESPN.

The Liberty will continue to rely on Ionescu, who delivered as usual according to Yahoo Sports Cassandra Negley.

“My teammates always keep flocking to me,” Ionescu said. “And, you know, they need me at that moment. They know I’m made for this. »

Aces hearing the same message from Becky Hammon

Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and Aces head coach Becky Hammon had the same message for the Aces. There is, of course, a slightly different level of urgency in Hammon’s tone, according to Negley.

“We neither lost nor won a championship. Nothing was won tonight,” Hammon admitted. “Let there be no doubt, we are in a war…I think we can handle (Ionescu) better. That being said, are you going to totally silence it? Probably not. But can we just contain it? We have to at least get it as a C+ to keep it.

The Aces blamed the first game loss on self-inflicted wounds. The Liberty needs one more victory to send the two-time defending champions away for good. The third match begins on Friday, October 4 in Las Vegas. Will this be the last look at the former champions? Probably given the history of the Liberty. They have dominated the Aces this season, including the playoffs.