LAS VEGAS — Sabrina Ionescu found herself struggling to score.

Back when she was a wiry sixth grader in Walnut Creek, California, Ionescu played on an eighth-grade boys team alongside her twin brother, Eddy. Facing significantly larger and stronger opponents often disrupted her game, making it hard for her to get close to the basket.

Recognizing the need to enhance her skills, the guard went on to create a floater.

Now, 15 years later, that floater has turned into one of the most effective shots in the WNBA playoffs, playing a crucial role in the New York Liberty’s journey to the Finals for the second year in a row. They will be facing the Minnesota Lynx in Game 1 on Thursday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, part of a best-of-five series.

Averaging 18.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.4 rebounds during the regular season, Ionescu is enjoying a standout year with the Liberty, with her floater being a significant factor.

Coaches, players, and analysts often refer to being a “three-level scorer,” which means being able to score at the rim, from mid-range, and beyond the arc. This season, by incorporating the floater into her game, Ionescu has showcased her growth as a three-level scorer.

Becky Hammon, the Las Vegas coach, has strongly advocated for Ionescu’s selection to the first-team All-WNBA, declaring, “She is the key for them this season.”

At 26 years old, Ionescu is in her fifth season in the WNBA; however, due to a severe left ankle injury early in her rookie year, it feels like this is only her fourth. This injury kept her sidelined for several months after just three games.

While she earned All-Star honors in 2022 and 2023, her performance in the 2023 Finals was disappointing, as the Aces claimed their second consecutive WNBA championship on the Liberty’s home court. Ionescu managed to average only 9.8 points across four games with a shooting percentage of 31.6%.

However, she was a major contributor in the semifinal rematch this postseason, averaging 17.8 points and shooting 48.1%. In the decisive Game 4 victory in Vegas, Ionescu led all scorers with 22 points and also snagged seven rebounds. She began strong, hitting an early three-pointer before driving into the lane to sink a floater while drawing a foul, a move that has become part of her signature style.

This season’s success is especially satisfying for Ionescu, as she dedicated her offseason to honing this shot.

“I’ve always had it,” she mentioned, recalling how effective her floater was during her college days at Oregon. “A foot injury had kept me from using it. You need to jump off your left foot for a right-handed floater, and I didn’t have the strength to do that comfortably. I had to come off both feet during my early comeback years.”

“Reintegrating the floater into my game is something I take pride in. It has really opened up the court for me.”

Her teammate, veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot, now in her 14th season, agrees wholeheartedly. “Her ability to penetrate and finish has drastically expanded her options,” Vandersloot said, adding that Ionescu is now in “the sweet spot” of her career—experienced enough to know what works while still having room for growth.

A well-executed floater is one of the most aesthetically pleasing shots in basketball, yet it’s surprisingly complicated to replicate. Since it’s taken off from one leg, fatigue can impact execution. Timing of the ball’s rotation is essential, and players must quickly decide whether to utilize the backboard. According to Ionescu, it’s difficult to practice effectively because one needs to go full speed, mimicking the chaotic circumstances of a game with numerous defenders blocking pathways.

While reviewing film from 2023, Ionescu noticed that defenders often left her open in mid-range, which presented more scoring opportunities if she could adapt her strategy.

“You need to be capable of shooting a floater because sometimes a jump shot takes too long,” she explained. “By the time you set up for it, defenses can recover. The floater is less predictable as you’re mid-dribble.”

This shot is particularly advantageous for skilled passers like Ionescu since it allows them to make last-minute decisions about whether to shoot or pass to any of her exceptional teammates who are All-Stars or Olympians.

Additionally, there are extra advantages to the floater: Since a guard’s momentum hasn’t fully taken them to the baseline, they’re positioned to grab any rebounding misses if needed. It also helps protect guards from physical contact as they often pull up before making contact.

When executed well, it can be devastating for opposing defenses.

“She consistently puts immense pressure on your defense, as she can score from well beyond the three-point line,” Hammon remarked. “There’s no room for error; you can’t take risks. If you do gamble and she beats you, she’ll be at the rim, and she’s skilled enough to find her teammates, whether they are open.”

A true basketball enthusiast, Ionescu enjoys watching NBA games to learn from the athletes, aiming to adopt valuable techniques and strategies from them. Often compared to Steph Curry due to her shooting range, Ionescu has studied how the ten-time All-Star approaches the game.

Despite his slender build, Curry skillfully navigates through defenders to reach the rim. The most notable contrast between Curry and Ionescu is their height; Curry stands at 6 feet 2 inches, making him smaller than most NBA guards, while Ionescu, at 5 feet 11 inches, has a considerable stature in women’s basketball.

A great NBA comparison for Ionescu is likely Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. At 6 feet 7 inches, Doncic is a guard who can effortlessly score and create opportunities for his teammates. Ionescu has studied numerous clips of Doncic, paying close attention to how his size and strength, which are qualities Ionescu shares, help him penetrate defenses. Ionescu mentioned that Doncic maintains control, never letting defenders rush him, a tactic she has worked to emulate.

“He’s clear about his objectives and achieves them,” she remarked.

Ionescu also has clear goals—winning a WNBA championship. She is determined to utilize every strategy at her disposal to achieve that goal.