Fans were worried when the New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu had to miss two consecutive games against the Dallas Wings. The Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello revealed that Ionescu had been going through some “tightness” in the neck. This also cast aspersions over her dream of winning the MVP title this year. However, much to the satisfaction of her admirers, according to the latest update, Ionescu is back in the practice session before the Liberty’s clash against the Connecticut Sun on Saturday.

Coming into the WNBA, after the Olympics break, Ionescu helped her team win crucial games against the Los Angeles Sparks and the Las Vegas Aces, scoring 18 and 23 points, respectively. Therefore, the Liberty’s leading scorer was missed during the games against the Dallas Wings on Tuesday and Thursday. Although the Brondello-coached team emerged victorious with 94-74, and 79-71 tally, nonetheless, it put Ionescu’s MVP candidature at risk.

This season can be labeled as ‘going for your dreams’ season for Ionescu. Last season, the New York team made it to the Championship Finals series only to be defeated by the Aces by a 3-1 margin. This season, they are one of the most probable teams to win the Championship title. And the New York Liberty being the only original franchise to not have a championship title, adds to their cause. And at the center of it is Ionescu.

Helping her team occupy the numero uno position in the Eastern Conference, Ionescu has scored a franchise-high of 19.9 points per game. Plus, she has assumed the role of a facilitator effortlessly with 6 assists per game. Therefore, she is being considered a top star for the MVP title other than the Aces, A’ja Wilson. Her efficiency of hitting 42.7% field goals and 90.4% free throws only adds to her brilliance. But, the major threat she faces is from Wilson.

Can Sabrina Ionescu bag the MVP title?

Much like how it is a story of going after your dreams for Ionescu, it is a tale of revenge for Wilson. Wilson, last year, couldn’t win the MVP award and was disgusted by it – so much so that she chose to don a t-shirt with the MVP voting numbers during the Championship winning parade. And this year, she looks in no mood to give away the title.

Wilson averages 26.8 points with 11.7 rebounds per game. Hence, she outplays Ionescu by a large margin and is the favorite to lift the MVP award. However, where Ionescu can present her claim to the title is if, in the remaining games, she performs so well that she single-handedly takes the Liberty to the Championship title.

Hopefully, Ionescu will take the hardwood during the game against the Sun on Saturday. And perhaps, she will help her team continue its on-song display.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.