Ionescu sits again; Liberty clinch despite loss to Valkyries

SAN FRANCISCO -- WithSabrina Ionescusitting out her third straight game with a left big toe injury, theNew York Libertyfell 66-58 Tuesday night to theGolden State Valkyries.

Despite the loss, the Liberty clinched a playoff berth because the Indiana Fever lost to the Phoenix Mercury earlier Tuesday.

Ionescu is considered day-to-day, coach Sandy Brondello said. The injury happened last week in practice and has kept her out of four of the past five games.

Ionescu got a workout in on Monday, but Brondello said she was still not comfortable clearing Ionescu to play in San Francisco, which is about 25 miles from her hometown of Walnut Creek.

"This is her hometown, she has great support here," Brondello said before the game. "Unfortunately, she can't play tonight, but we've got the big picture in mind. We just need to get her healthy because she's so important to what you're doing."

The Liberty fell to 24-17 with Tuesday's loss and sit fifth in the overall standings with three games remaining in the regular season.