The 2024 WNBA finals was a dramatic one. With series-tying games, overtime, foul troubles, and a little leg-pulling to challenge the opponents, the competition peaked. One moment would also see Sabrina Ionescu enthusiastically clapping after Napheesa Collier was called for a foul. You would think the tension would carry over from one court to another, but the New York Liberty star is here to let you know beef gets left behind in the W.

Addressing the press prior to her second game at Unrivaled, Ionescu shared her excitement about playing for the new league, one which involves her steering clear of any bad blood. “I’m excited to see hopefully there’s no bad beef between people as we continue these games. But you definitely won’t see it for me,” she reveals.

Ionescu has played two games so far, unfortunately facing a defeat both times. She did, however, put up 18 and 16-point performances despite not being 100% cleared off the surgery she underwent for the torn UCL in her right thumb. But there are two more months to go and Sab is here to only grow her game.

“I’m just excited to be here competing, working on my game and kind of enjoying the atmosphere. I thought it was amazing,” she added.

We can get a second glimpse of the 2024 Finals when Phantom (Ionescu’s) and Lunar Owls (Phee’s) face each other on the 25th Jan. It sure brings memories of the two being challenging of the other. “We know what they’re [Lynx] doing. They haven’t changed a whole lot from Game 1 to Game 2,” Ionescu had called out after Liberty tied the series. Expect the intensity, but beefs are for another day in a league filled with players logging in for a common cause.

So far, Collier has had a strong start, boasting a 2-0 record with a win against Breanna Stewart’s Mist on the opening night. There’s much to unfold, but love is evident off the court.

Sabrina Ionescu drops off Collier’s “enemy no.1” list post game

It wasn’t just Ionescu clapping that would make for a tense atmosphere between the two teams. During game 2, Stewie had called for a technical foul against Collier, which might not exactly have been worthy of it. Sabrina too, apparently pointed a finger. When asked if they discussed it later, the Lynx icon drew a line between on and off court sentiments.

“I feel like we’re, you know, they are Public Enemy Number One during the finals. I’m sure we’ll all laugh about it after,” she noted. Well, that very well could have been the case considering Ionescu was seen sharing a heartwarming embrace with Collier’s daughter, Mila, after one of the games.

The two have reportedly formed a close bond following Team USA’s Olympic stint. Phee’s husband, Alex Bazzell also revealed Mila had been asking about Ionescu since their return from Paris. The team even collectively chose her to be the nanny for their kids. “It’s an honor,” Sab says. So you know the Liberty star will be limiting her fierceness and tensions to the court.