The New York Liberty won the 2024 WNBA Championship and are now one of the WNBA’s most popular teams during a time when Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark seem to garner most of the media’s attention.
The Liberty dropped their first preseason game of the season on Friday by a score of 94-86 to the Connecticut Sun, a precursor to the franchise’s May 12 preseason game in Eugene, Oregon.
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On Sunday night, news broke of an outstanding honor given to Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu that garnered tens of thousands of views as she returned to her former college town.
Sabrina Ionescu is guarded by Lindsay Allen as she dribbles down the court on May 9 at the Barclays Center. © Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
“Eugene, Oregon will now recognize May 12th as Sabrina Ionescu Day,” the Liberty wrote on their X account Sunday.
The designation was announced by Eugene Mayor Kaarin Knudson and included a photo of the certificate along with her thoughts on the Liberty’s Monday exhibition game at the Matthew Knight Arena against the Toyota Antelopes women’s basketball team of Japan.
A round of applause, smiles, laughter and clapping accompanied Knudson’s announcement as it was made on Sunday.
Fans reacted in the comments section with one describing how much they loved the moment for the Liberty’s WNBA champion and superstar guard.
“The queen of Eugene,” another fan wrote with a saluting emoji.
Ionescu averaged 16.3 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game and 6 assists per game with the Liberty during their championship winning season in 2024.
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The Liberty will face strong competition this season with plenty of new faces in new places as part of a revamped WNBA, where new contenders may emerge.
For now, Ionescu and her teammates appear content to enjoy the ride as they work toward winning back-to-back titles in the Big Apple.
Related: Referees Taking Heat For Caitlin Clark Call During Fever Game vs. Dream
