Thread: The Storm applied a ton of pressure on Sabrina Ionescu in her #WNBA debut, using their versatility to give her a wide array of different defensive looks. This possession was illustrative: Natasha Howard picked her up in the backcourt, then blitzed the pick and roll, too.

In the preceding clip, Sabrina Ionescu was able to pass out of the trap. Here was a similar play along the sideline with a different result. Alysha Clark and Breanna Stewart executed the double team, then Sue Bird rotated to force the turnover.

The Storm blitzed on middle pick and roll, as well. This one involved Jordin Canada and Mercedes Russell, with the latter called for a foul against Sabrina Ionescu.

The Storm were similarly aggressive on switches. On this play, Jewell Loyd and Breanna Stewart switched, with the latter able to poke the ball away as Sabrina Ionescu sought to turn the corner.

Some of the Storm’s defensive switches involved Ezi Magbegor. In this clip, she did a great job of preventing Sabrina Ionescu’s drive and contesting the stepback 3.

Here was another switch where Ezi Magbegor ended up on Sabrina Ionescu. Impressive work by Ezi to deny the drive and force the turnover.

It's worth noting that the Storm are particularly well-suited to implement this type of defensive scheme against Sabrina Ionescu. They have versatile, athletic, switchable bigs (Howard, Stewart, Magbegor) and guards/wings (Clark, Canada, Loyd). They can pull it off.

Other teams would assume a lot of risk if they were to try the Storm's approach, either because they lack the personnel or defensive discipline to make it work. So Sabrina Ionescu may not face the same scheme each game. But, in general, she's going to be pressured and tested.

The Liberty are particularly susceptible to defensive pressure because Sabrina Ionescu unlocks so much for them offensively. Teams are going to pressure her to throw NY's entire approach off. This makes Layshia Clarendon's role all the more important. https://twitter.com/presidual/status/1287061378155462657?s=20