"On a personal level I’m really happy": Sabrina Ionescu makes feelings crystal clear on Caitlin Clark after getting upstaged

Sabrina Ionescu and Caitlin Clark squared off in a high-stakes showdown between the New York Liberty and Indiana Fever on Saturday. The game lived up to its blockbuster hype, with both superstars delivering electrifying performances on the big stage. Two of the game’s premier sharpshooters lit it up from beyond the arc in a thrilling display of perimeter scoring.

While Ionescu put up a strong showing, it was Clark who stole the spotlight with a sensational performance in her return to action. The Fever star looked anything but rusty, drilling seven 3-pointers, including several from her trademark logo range.

Despite being upstaged, Ionescu applauded Clark’s remarkable ability to hit tough, high-degree-of-difficulty shots.

"She has great range, and her ability to get her shot off is really impressive, especially with missing some games," Ionescu told reporters. "And so on a personal level I’m really happy to see her back out on the court healthy, feeling good … but just for her I’m happy she’s back."

Sabrina Ionescu finished as the game’s top scorer with 34 points on 20 attempts, but it was Caitlin Clark who stole the spotlight. Clark powered the Fever to a commanding 102-88 victory, snapping the Liberty’s unbeaten streak with a dazzling 32-point performance in front of the home crowd.

Sabrina Ionescu has constantly supported Caitlin Clark

Sabrina Ionescu has consistently been one of Caitlin Clark’s strongest supporters. The New York Liberty star has openly praised Clark for her transformative impact on the WNBA’s growing popularity. Earlier this year, Ionescu commended Clark for inspiring a new generation of young girls to take up basketball.

"She has kind of been helping us push this league forward, bringing so many new fans and eyes to the game. Everywhere she goes, she sells out arenas," Ionescu had said.

Meanwhile, Clark missed the Fever’s last five games after sustaining a left quad strain in their May 24 matchup with the Liberty. Fittingly, she made her return a little over three weeks later, once again facing New York.