NEW YORK, April 25 (Xinhua) — Chinese center Han Xu had a game-high 20 points in the first game since her return to the New York Liberty in a WNBA preseason game on Saturday.
In the Liberty’s 109-91 loss at home to the Indiana Fever, Han shot six of 10 from the field and made all seven free throws to go along with two rebounds, one assist, one steal and two blocks.
“I just tried to play 100 percent for myself and execute what the coach had said. I still had some turnovers or bad moments, but I also had a lot of good moments,” Han told a post-game press conference.
“This was the first game in the preseason. Our players are from everywhere and just met each other like four days. Everybody tried to play hard, and me as well,” she added.
Standing 2.05 meters tall, Han was selected 14th overall by the Liberty in the 2019 WNBA draft, averaging 5.8 points and 2.4 rebounds in her three seasons with the club.
She played for Australia’s Perth Lynx in the 2025-26 Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) season. With an average of 16.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks, Han was awarded the league’s Defensive Player of the Year.
The 26-year-old signed a training camp contract with the Liberty earlier this month.
The 2026 WNBA season tips off on May 8. ■
