Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty crushed Caitlin Clark and the New York Liberty by a final score of 102-66 on Thursday night. Clark and the Fever dropped to 0-2 on the season with the defeat. 

Ionescu, the former Oregon Ducks superstar, knows all about the pressure that comes with being a No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA.

She was taken first overall in 2020 and has been with the Liberty ever since. She helped New York reach the WNBA Finals last season before falling to the Aces.

It wasn’t a picture-perfect start for Ionescu and the Liberty several years ago, though. It took a few years to really brings things together and build a team around her. Clark might have to have that kind of patience before her WNBA career really blossoms.

After the Liberty’s 102-66 victory over Clark and the Fever Thursday night, Ionescu had the classiest quote about the newest WNBA superstar.

“To see her do what she in college, I’m excited to see what she’s going to be able to accomplish…in my first full season playing I was navigating being the No. 1 pick…you’ll always fight adversity and that is everyone’s journey,” Ionescu said.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) rushes up the court past New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) on Thursday, May 16, 2024, during the Indiana Fever home opener game against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Sabrina Ionescu has admitted several times already that she wants to be a friend and mentor for Caitlin Clark as she navigates throughout her rookie season. It sounds like she’s holding true to her word.

Clark and Ionescu will rematch this Saturday, but this time the Liberty will play host at the Barclays Center.