Liberty close to adding Sabrina Ionescu, Nyara Sabally in boost

SAN FRANCISCO — The Liberty are close to being whole again. 

While Sabrina Ionescu didn’t play Tuesday against the Valkyries, Nyara Sabally warmed up and was dressed for the game. 

Sabally didn’t get in Tuesday’s 66-58 loss, but it’s a step in the right direction for the backup center, who hasn’t played since before the All-Star break. 

Ionescu is considered “day to day” with a big left toe injury, according to Brondello. She did an individual workout Monday, but the Bay Area native wasn’t cleared to play. 

Brondello is “hopeful” that Ionescu will be ready to play Friday in Seattle. 

Ionescu has missed three of the past four games after suffering two separate injuries to her left foot. She hurt her left foot when the Sky’s Kamilla Cardoso fell on it two weeks ago. Ionescu injured her big left toe toward the end of last Wednesday’s practice. 

Ionescu had been doing individual workouts over the past few days, but her availability heading into Tuesday’s game was unclear. 

Sabally hasn’t played since July 16, as she’s dealt with an issue in her surgically repaired right knee. 

Brondello said it was unfortunate that Ionescu couldn’t play in front of her friends and family, especially knowing how important this game is to her. 

“Sabrina has done so much all over the country, but this is where it all began for her,” Brondello said. “She’s from the Bay Area and [is an inspiration] for little girls to grow up and see what she’s done on the court and off it.” 

Ionescu had a stiff neck the first time the Liberty played at Chase Center, which impacted her play. 

This time, she didn’t even get to see the floor. 

Brondello, the laid-back Aussie, lost her cool during Tuesday’s game against the Valkyries. 

Brondello apparently had enough with the officiating as she berated a referee following an apparent non-call that sent Breanna Stewart to the ground. 

The official stopped the play, delivering Brondello her third technical foul of the season. 

Afterward, Natasha Cloud went and dapped Brondello up for her passionate fight in defending her players.