Sabrina Ionescu made history Tuesday night, becoming the youngest player in the WNBA to record a triple-double in the New York Liberty’s 86-75 victory over the Minnesota Lynx. It was also the first in the history of the Liberty, an original WNBA franchise.
In just her third game of the season and sixth of her WNBA career, Ionescu recorded 26 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.
Ionescu led the Liberty to their third straight win with her historic performance. The team has now won more games this season than all of last year, when New York went 2-20. They’re also 3-0 to start the season for the first time since 2007.
“A triple-double and a win is what’s important. If I got that and a loss, it wouldn’t mean anything to me,” Ionescu said after the game. “And so, super just proud of my teammates for helping me get that, my coaching staff. Those things never are easy and they never come without help from everyone else on the court.”
☑ Youngest Triple-Double in #WNBA History
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 19, 2021
☑ First Career Triple-Double in the League
☑ First Triple-Double in @nyliberty History
...In her 6th career game. @sabrina_i20 #CountIt pic.twitter.com/tLJHkpu1RM
The Liberty guard had previously set an NCAA record with 26 triple-doubles in her four seasons with the Oregon Ducks.
New York also received big contributions from Sami Whitcomb (13 points, eight rebounds), Kylee Shook (10 points, six rebounds) and Betnijah Laney, who’s scored 20 points or more in each of the Liberty’s first three games.
Up next, Ionescu and the Liberty take on the 0-2 Washington Mystics on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.