Li Yu’er Season Summary: Averaged 5.1 points and 3.7 rebounds, once scored over 10 points in a game earning respect

On September 20th, the WNBA regular season Sparks defeated the Lynx in their final game. Chinese player Li Yu’er had limited opportunities in this game, scoring 2 points and grabbing 2 rebounds. However, looking at Li Yu’er’s entire season, compared to her rookie season, she has made significant progress.

For the entire season, Li Yu’er averaged 14.6 minutes per game, scoring 5.1 points and 3.7 rebounds. This is a considerable improvement from her average of 1.8 points and 1.5 rebounds when she first joined the WNBA in 2022. In the early part of the season, due to Brink’s presence, Li Yu’er did not get many opportunities and had very little playing time. But as Brink got injured, Li Yu’er gradually seized the opportunity, steadily improving herself with consistent playing time. At the Olympics, Li Yu’er demonstrated the value of her training in the WNBA.

By the end of the season, Li Yu’er had two standout performances. Against the Atlanta Dream, Li Yu’er scored 14 points for the entire game. And against the Mercury, Li Yu’er shot 7 out of 11 to score 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists, delivering her best performance in the WNBA. She reached double-digit scoring five times throughout the season. Due to Hamby’s presence, Li Yu’er could not become a key player on this team, but she continued to improve herself within the limited time available.

After the WNBA season ends, Li Yu’er will head to Bodrum, Turkey, to continue her overseas journey. For all members of the Chinese women’s basketball team, Li Yu’er serves as a role model. She chose to pursue her dreams on a higher stage instead of living a comfortable, high-paying life domestically. This attitude represents the hope for the future of Chinese basketball.