Photo Credit: Getty Image
Sabrina Ionescu had to catch a replay of her clutch 3-pointer in the locker room to fully grasp just how impressive it was. Still, she knew right after releasing it that it was destined to go in.
Her 28-foot shot, sinking with only one second remaining, sealed an 80-77 comeback win for the New York Liberty over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. "This was definitely the biggest shot of my career," Ionescu shared, as the Liberty now sit just one game away from their first-ever league title.
Reflecting on her preparation, Ionescu explained, "I spend a lot of time visualizing different game scenarios and imagining how to handle pressure. Tonight wasn't my best game, but sticking it out is something I've really focused on."
Ionescu's basket, the Liberty's 10th three-pointer of the night, left Minnesota's record crowd of over 19,000 stunned. New York had been on the losing end of a close one in Game 1 when Minnesota took a win in overtime, but this time, the tables turned. Both teams experienced dramatic shifts, showing just how evenly matched they are.
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve reflected on the tight nature of the series: "There are so many ups and downs. It takes serious toughness to handle those swings. We're disappointed—being at home and playing well but still coming up short hurts. But we'll be back at it on Friday."
The two teams return to the Target Center with Minnesota hoping to force a Game 5 back in New York. Though challenging, it's possible: four teams have come back from a 2-1 deficit to win the WNBA Finals, including the Lynx back in 2017.
The Liberty, one of the league's original teams, are aiming to end this series on Friday. It would mark the franchise's first championship win after five previous Finals appearances.
Ionescu, drafted by New York in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has had her sights set on a title since joining the league. Her journey included a season-ending injury in her rookie year, but she's bounced back, with stars like Breanna Stewart joining her in 2023, creating a powerful team dynamic.
New York struggled early in Game 3 but rallied in the second half, largely thanks to Stewart's 30-point performance. Ionescu, Stewart, and others have their eyes set on clinching a historic victory, with coach Sandy Brondello's faith in her shooter stronger than ever, saying, "Sabrina backs herself in big moments, and tonight she proved why."
