Leonie Fiebich finally giving Liberty a side of her game they’ve been pleading for
Liberty wing Leonie Fiebich had grown tired of hearing about how she needed to shoot more since her return from EuroBasket.
So in Tuesday’s win over the Aces, Fiebich made a point to hunt for her shot, and it paid off in a big way.
Fiebich shot 6-for-11 from the field and 2-for-6 from deep for a season-high 15 points to help the Liberty to an 87-78 victory.
Before Tuesday, Fiebich hadn’t attempted more than six field goals in a game. She combined for just nine field goal attempts in her first two games back after EuroBasket.
Fiebich is a selfless player, almost to a fault.
She plays an important part in moving the ball and floor spacing within the offense. But she especially thrives on defense, and puts a lot of her focus and energy on that side of the ball.
Coach Sandy Brondello doesn’t have to worry about Fiebich taking a bad shot or going rogue in isolation. But Brondello had been encouraging Fiebich to not pass up good looks.
Breanna Stewart noticed a change in Fiebich’s approach in the first quarter.
“She shot three shots within three minutes. I was like, ‘OK, Leo’s going to be aggressive today.’ But that’s what we need,” Stewart said. “She’s more than just a 3-and-D player. She can get into the heart of defenses and find and finish.”
Scoring was just one area Fiebich stood out against the Aces. She also grabbed nine rebounds for the second time this season and blocked three shots. As far as a favorite personal highlight from Tuesday’s game, Fiebich said she didn’t have one.
“I just really care about what we do as a team,” Fiebich said.
Playing without two starters Tuesday, what the team needed from Fiebich was for her to be more assertive on offense, and she answered the call.
Nike unveiled Sabrina Ionescu’s third signature shoe Tuesday. Nike Sabrina 3 features several nods to Ionescu’s roots and success.
The embroidery and unique textile weaving was inspired by Ionescu’s Romanian heritage, and the vertical, off-axis Swoosh symbolizes the “glass ceilings Ionescu continues to shatter,” according to Nike.
Ionescu said it’s hard to believe she’s developed her third signature shoe.
“Just being able to show up to games and look in the stands and see so many young boys and girls in my shoes, and being able to inspire them when they watch me play,” Ionescu said. “I never really lose sight of the importance and significance of what I’m able to do while I’m playing basketball and inspiring. And obviously super excited to be able to debut the 3s here pretty soon and just keep that going.”
The Sabrina 1 and 2s have become some of the most popular sneakers worn by NBA and WNBA players. She hopes this new rendition will be as in demand as her first two.
“That’s the goal,” she said.