In New York, Sabrina Ionescu, the guard for the New York Liberty, recently underwent a surgical procedure to stabilize the ulnar collateral ligament in her right thumb. This operation took place last Friday and was carried out by Dr. Steven S. Shin. A source close to the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the news on Monday, as they were not permitted to disclose details publicly.

Ionescu has already begun her rehabilitation process and is anticipated to return to the court in approximately four weeks. Coincidentally, she celebrated her 27th birthday on Friday and shared a post on social media the following day. In the photo, she was seen seated among flowers, with her right hand visibly in a cast. In the caption, she humorously noted, “Getting my thumb fixed was quite the bday present.”

The injury was first sustained during the WNBA Finals last season, but it went unnoticed until after the Liberty clinched the championship. In the fifth and final game against Minnesota, Ionescu struggled, making only one of her nineteen shots; however, she contributed to the victory with eight assists and seven rebounds.

This year has been particularly eventful for the talented player from Oregon. Along with her contributions to the Liberty’s first WNBA title, she also tied the knot and earned a gold medal at the Olympics, marking a significant and transformative period in her life and career.