Chinese Center Han Scores 20 in Debut Following Liberty Return

Chinese center Han Xu delivered a strong individual performance in her return to the New York Liberty, scoring a game-high 20 points during a WNBA preseason game against the Indiana Fever on April 25, 2026.

Despite the Liberty’s 109-91 loss at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Han’s effort stood out as she shot six of ten from the field and made all seven of her free throw attempts. She also contributed two rebounds, one assist, one steal and two blocks in her first action since the 2024 WNBA Finals.

The 26-year-old player, who stands 2.05 meters tall, expressed satisfaction with her effort after the game, stating she aimed to play at full capacity and follow the coach’s instructions. Han acknowledged some mistakes but emphasized the positive aspects of her performance.

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 Xu, post-game press conference

Han reflected on the early stage of the preseason, noting that the team had only recently come together and was still building chemistry. She said everyone was working hard to adapt to the new environment under a different coaching staff.

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.

Han Xu

Prior to rejoining the Liberty, Han spent the 2025-26 season with the Perth Lynx in Australia’s Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL). During that time, she averaged 16.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, earning her the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

Han was originally selected by the New York Liberty with the 14th overall pick in the second round of the 2019 WNBA draft. In her previous three seasons with the team from 2019 to 2023, she averaged 5.8 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.