June 25’s game against the New York Liberty was featured on ESPN and despite Washington building a 13-0 lead within the first few minutes of the game, they were unable to hold on. Late in the fourth quarter, Washington would miss some crucial free throws, which allowed Courtney Vandersloot to go the length of the floor and tie the game with an uncontested layup. Even after she fouled out in overtime, Washington couldn’t seem to figure out Sabrina Ionescu, who finished the game with 31 points and seven made threes.
In the loss to New York, Shakira Austin suffered what would be announced as a left hip strain. The team announced she would be reevaluated in three weeks, which is a devastating blow to a team that lacks frontcourt depth.
So while everyone was eating hot dogs and lighting fireworks on the 4th of July, general manager Mike Thibault decided to make some moves to address the issues of the team, trading Amanda Zahui B. to the Indiana Fever for Queen Egbo. The move certainly makes sense for Washington. They pick up a great defender and rebounder, which is crucial for a team that has struggled with rebounding, specifically on the offensive glass, for the majority of the season.
In a statement, M. Thibault said:
This trade was an opportunity to acquire a young post…
