Sources: Sabrina Ionescu underwent a procedure Friday to stabilize the ulnar collateral ligament in her right thumb, which she injured in Game 4 of the Finals

She has begun rehabilitation and is estimated to return to on-court activity in approx 4 weekshttps://t.co/LOYUHhIZO9

— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) December 9, 2024

Spotted with her hand wrapped and sporting a splint, Ionescu has now been cleared to start her rehabilitation. With the recovery process underway, she’s expected to return to the court and make a full impact in just four weeks. Well, the experience is not something new to Ionescu.

Injuries have been a recurring part of Saby’s journey

Right in her rookie season, Ionescu suffered a left ankle injury in the second quarter against the Atlanta Dream. The No. 1 pick of the 2020 WNBA Draft was diagnosed with a grade 3 sprain. While the initial prognosis estimated a month-long recovery, Ionescu did not return to play for the rest of her first professional season.

When she was finally set to make her debut at the WNBA’s championship, the COVID pandemic derailed her plans. Undeterred, Ionescu remained focused and eventually led the Liberty to the 2022 Finals, only to be struck down by another setback. Injuries once again stole the spotlight.

During the 2023 Finals then, Ionescu was visibly struggling to even walk, relying on an injection for her aching hip just to step on the court. Las Vegas Aces would take the crown eventually as star guard’s scores fell. “Losing motivates you,” she had reflected.

And no surprise she came back stronger the following year. With 18.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, Ionescu had her best season. “It’s just about wanting to be better all the time and not being OK with being complacent,” she says. With a championship already in the bag, she isn’t stopping now.