"I told her, although it sucks now, it's going to be a blessing in disguise," Ionescu said.

New York Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison (21) drives past Indiana Fever forward Natasha Howard (6) in the first quarter at Barclays Center.

Despite optimism that she could return soon, the coaching staff "anticipate [s] her to be out tomorrow," which would prolong her absence to 11 of the Indiana Fever’s first 24 games.