WNBA’s Sabrina Ionescu grabs historic triple-double in NY Liberty’s win over Las Vegas Aces

On Wednesday night, Sabrina Ionescu could not be stopped. She had a career-high 31 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists as the New York Liberty defeated the Las Vegas Aces 116-107. Much while Ionescu’s triple-double is amazing on its own, it is even more amazing in light of the historical context.

Ionescu tied Chicago Sky forward Candace Parker for the most triple-doubles in a WNBA career with her third, which came in that game. That set a new WNBA record for the most in a single season, breaking five. Prior to 2022, there has never been more than one triple-double in a WNBA season.

Ionescu and Parker shared the record for the most triple-doubles by a single WNBA player in a season. Ionescu and Parker both had triple-doubles, but Ionescu did it in just her 54th WNBA contest while Parker did so in her 375th.

Even still, it’s hardly the most impressive aspect of her performance. Ionescu also made history by being the first WNBA player to record a triple-double with at least 30 points and without a turnover. The Los Angeles Sparks center Lisa Leslie came in second, scoring 29 points for her triple-double in 2004. Ionescu hit 10 of his 13 attempts, including 7 of his 8 attempts from beyond the arc.

According to ESPN, Ionescu stated, “I was just really trying to take care of the ball, I believed it was incredibly crucial.” “I just want to keep improving that aspect of the game as the point guard and main ball-handler. Every time I go out onto the floor, I’m simply trying to be the greatest version of myself. I’m up against myself. I’m working to improve and to keep picking up lessons from all the experiences I’ve had.”

Image Credits – BR

Ionescu’s complete accomplishment is quite rare in the WNBA. According to ESPN Stats & Information, just one other player in an American professional basketball league managed a triple-double with at least 30 points, no turnovers, and a 75 percent shooting percentage: two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.

A couple of WNBA firsts were set by the Liberty on their own in their victory over the Aces. Both the combined 31 three-pointers and the 223 points scored throughout regulation broke WNBA records.

 

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