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Sabrina Ionescu has never been shy about her love for the Bay Area. This week, she made that clear once again in a way that moved fans far beyond the walls of Chase Center. After helping the New York Liberty edge out the Golden State Valkyries in a tense 81-78 victory, Ionescu posted a short but powerful message on Instagram.
“Just a Bay Area kid with a dream.. back where it all started🙏🏼Bay love 🌉,” she said.
The words were simple, but they captured the journey she has been on. From her childhood days in Walnut Creek to her college stardom at Oregon to her rise as one of the faces of the WNBA, everything had led her back to that moment on the court. This time, she was no longer a young fan in the stands watching Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors play. She was the one making the big plays.
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Her return was emotional on many levels. Ionescu grew up about 25 miles from San Francisco and spent countless nights cheering for the Warriors. She often talked about the hours she and her twin brother Eddy would spend dreaming about the day they could play at the highest level. Those dreams shaped the player and person she has become.
Even before tip-off, the night felt special. Ionescu handed out dozens of tickets to friends, family, and coaches who had supported her since her earliest basketball memories. She said stepping onto the floor at Chase Center brought back a rush of nostalgia that was hard to put into words. In many ways, it felt like a full-circle moment.
Yet her homecoming was not just about sentiment. It was also about grit and perseverance. Just days earlier, Ionescu had missed the Liberty’s game against Seattle because of neck tightness she aggravated during a long flight. The injury was serious enough that she considered sitting out again in San Francisco. Even when she decided to play, she admitted she could not fully turn her head from side to side.
Despite the discomfort, she delivered when her team needed her most. She finished the game with timely baskets, controlled the offense late, and knocked down seven free throws in the fourth quarter. One of her biggest plays came on defense when she made a decisive steal with less than a minute to go, sealing the win. It was the kind of performance that perfectly illustrated what makes her special. Even at less than one hundred percent, she found ways to impact the game.
While rumors often swirl about whether Ionescu might one day join her hometown team, she made it clear in interviews that she is committed to New York. She said she feels grateful for the chance to lead the Liberty and believes the franchise is building something meaningful. At the same time, she will always feel a connection to the Bay.
Her Instagram caption was a reminder that no matter how far her career takes her, her roots remain the same. She is still that kid from Walnut Creek who dared to believe in something bigger. And as she left the floor, sore neck and all, she carried with her not just a victory, but the pride of coming home and showing everyone exactly who she is.
