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Sabrina Ionescu · Days removed from describing herself as having New York’s spirit “injected into her veins” following a high-five from the city’s celebrated, always-courtside ambassador, Sabrina Ionescu paid it forward in the best way possible: a breathtaking shot of her own. Easing into her season-long role as the Barclays Center’s once-described “orchestra leader,” Ionescu — a half-quarter away from guiding a series-opening win — gives the 14,015 in attendance an opportunity to warm its vocal cords, unselfishly swinging the ball around the perimeter. Near midcourt as the basketball returns her way, Ionescu inspires positive chaos, connecting on a 30-foot trifecta to bring the Timberland boot-wearing, towel-waving crowd to additional life. Motivated by revenge in a rematch of the season prior’s WNBA Finals, Ionescu’s excellence helped the New York Liberty usurp the Las Vegas Aces, delivering the series’ first message on September 29, 2024. Deeming it a matchup defined by “unfinished business,” Ionescu, appropriately, handled business in Game 1, tossing in 21 points (on 9-of-15 shooting), four rebounds, five assists, two steals, one block, and three 3-pointers. · State of Mint · State of Mint