Sabrina Ionescu is facing significant challenges as she works to reintegrate into the New York Liberty lineup following an extended absence due to injury. The seasoned guard, who has missed most of the current WNBA season because of two separate injuries, is adjusting to a new coaching staff and system, making her return more complicated than in past years.

Ionescu, a former collegiate star at Oregon, had previously returned smoothly from absences under the leadership of former coach Sandy Brondello, whose system she was intimately familiar with. However, this season’s transition has been markedly different. With a new coaching staff implementing fresh strategies and principles, Ionescu has found herself needing to consciously adapt to the game rather than relying on ingrained muscle memory.

Her difficulties began shortly before the season opener when she suffered a left ankle roll that resulted in a foot injury. This kept her sidelined for the first two weeks, including a portion of the early away games. She rejoined the team in Portland, Ore., a city where she remains highly regarded due to her collegiate tenure.

Ionescu made her season debut on May 24 against the Dallas Wings, posting 11 points, five rebounds, and seven assists, albeit on poor shooting (4-for-25). After sitting out the following game—scheduled as the second night of a back-to-back—she was then sidelined for three weeks with back soreness, the exact cause of which the Liberty declined to disclose.

Now back in the lineup, Ionescu has begun playing consecutive games for the first time this season, though inconsistencies remain evident. In a recent game against the Chicago Sky, she struggled early with turnovers and scoreless minutes but showed resilience, hitting a crucial go-ahead three-pointer and scoring the game-winning layup in a narrow victory. Teammate Jonquel Jones highlighted Ionescu’s confidence and emphasized the adjustment period required given the new system, coaching staff, and teammates.

However, her performance has not been without setbacks. In the Liberty’s subsequent game against the Washington Mystics, which ended New York’s eight-game winning streak, Ionescu managed nine points on 13 shots, one rebound, and three assists, while accumulating four turnovers.

Liberty coach Chris DeMarco acknowledged the challenges of reintegrating Ionescu into the team’s evolving dynamic. He noted the difficulty in finding the right on-court combinations and defensive schemes, emphasizing the importance of patience as she becomes fully acclimated.

The Liberty recently embarked on a four-game West Coast road trip beginning Sunday against the Los Angeles Sparks. How Ionescu adapts and solidifies her role in the new system will remain a focal point as the team continues its campaign.