Home / Sports / Johannes Steps Up as Liberty Top Fire Without Ionescu
Johannes Steps Up as Liberty Top Fire Without Ionescu
13 May
Summary
- Sabrina Ionescu out with left foot injury, missing Portland games.
- Marine Johannes scored a career-high 25 points, including six 3-pointers.
- Portland's expansion team debut drew a WNBA record crowd of 19,335.
Sabrina Ionescu, a former University of Oregon standout, will not play in her home state as the New York Liberty visit Portland. She is sidelined with a left foot injury, forcing her to miss games on Tuesday and Thursday against the expansion Portland Fire at the Moda Center.
With Ionescu out, Marine Johannes has emerged as a key player for the Liberty. She delivered a career-best performance, scoring 25 points with six successful three-pointers, powering the Liberty to a 98-93 overtime win against Washington on Sunday. Breanna Stewart contributed 23 points and nine rebounds to the team's 2-0 start.
The Portland Fire's inaugural home game on Saturday attracted a WNBA record 19,335 spectators, highlighting significant fan enthusiasm for the new team. Despite the record crowd, Portland lost to Chicago 98-83. Players like Bridget Carleton expressed awe at the immediate and passionate support from Portland fans.
