Sabrina Ionescu’s remarkable 28-foot three-pointer with just one second remaining secured an 80-77 victory for the New York Liberty over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. This momentous shot, which Ionescu described as “definitely the biggest shot of my career,” brought the Liberty one win away from their first championship title in franchise history.
Reflecting on her performance, Ionescu stated, “I always visualize different scenarios and put myself in tough situations.” Despite not feeling she played her best, she emphasized her growth in persistence during challenging moments. The Liberty’s victory saw them convert 10 three-pointers during the game, stunning the Lynx’s record crowd of 19,521 fans.
The contest mirrored the fierce competition expected from the top two seeds vying for the championship. The Lynx coach, Cheryl Reeve, noted the emotional rollercoaster of the series, highlighting the need for mental and physical resilience. While disappointed in not clinching the win at home, Reeve expressed optimism for their next opportunity.
With the series returning to the Target Center, the Lynx will aim to force Game 5, a situation reminiscent of previous championship teams that managed to overcome a 2-1 deficit, including the Lynx in 2017.
Ionescu’s clutch shot marked a significant historical moment, as it became only the fourth go-ahead three-pointer in the final five seconds of a WNBA Finals game. This milestone brought back memories of legendary moments from players like Teresa Weatherspoon and Maya Moore.
The Liberty have previously appeared in the finals five times, with their most heartbreaking loss in 1999, when they fell to the Houston Comets after Weatherspoon’s iconic buzzer-beater in Game 2. This year, under a revamped roster that includes stars like Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, the Liberty have emerged as serious contenders, finishing the regular season with the best record.
Despite a rocky start against the Lynx, the Liberty rallied, thanks in large part to Stewart, who scored 30 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Coach Sandy Brondello expressed unwavering confidence in Ionescu’s shooting ability, underscoring the importance of her leadership on the court. The stage is set for the Liberty to potentially clinch their first title as they prepare for a decisive game.