Ionescu’s Clutch Shot Leaves Liberty One Win from First Title

In a heart-stopping finish, Sabrina Ionescu hit a deep three-pointer with just one second remaining, lifting the New York Liberty to an 80-77 victory over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. The dramatic win gives the Liberty a 2-1 series lead and pushes the franchise to the very edge of capturing its first-ever championship. The victory came after a monumental comeback, setting the stage for a historic Game 4.

The Dagger that Silenced the Crowd

With the game knotted at 77, the ball found its way to Sabrina Ionescu. The plan, drawn up by Coach Sandy Brondello, was simple. “You’re going to shoot the shot,” Brondello told her star guard during the final timeout. Ionescu did not disappoint.

She pulled up from 28 feet, just behind the mid-court logo, and drained the long-range shot as the clock expired. The basket sent the Liberty bench into a frenzy and left the Minnesota crowd in stunned silence. It was a clutch shot that will be remembered in WNBA Finals history for years to come.

The game-winner was more than just a single moment; it was historic.

• Ionescu became the first Liberty player since 1999 to hit a go-ahead three-pointer in the final five seconds of a Finals game.
• The shot marked her 63rd career playoff three, breaking Crystal Robinson’s franchise record.
• It also tied her own franchise record for the most threes in a single postseason, with 28.

“I had to go look at the video after because I didn’t even remember how far I was,” Ionescu admitted. “I just got a little separation and made sure I got a good shot.”

Stewart’s Heroics Set the Stage

While Ionescu’s shot will grab the headlines, the Liberty would not have been in a position to win without the heroic performance of Breanna Stewart. She was the team’s anchor, especially during a difficult second half where she willed them back into the game.

Stewart finished the night with an incredible 30 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocked shots. She was particularly dominant after halftime, scoring 22 of the team’s 45 points and refusing to let the Liberty fall. At one point, New York trailed by 15, but Stewart’s relentless effort kept their championship hopes alive.

“We don’t win this game without Stewie,” Ionescu said, praising her teammate’s effort. Stewart’s leadership was on full display as she carried the offensive load, allowing for Ionescu’s final moment of magic.

A Comeback for the Record Books

The Liberty’s 15-point comeback is officially the third-largest in the history of the WNBA Finals. It was a game of runs and resilience. New York spent only 2 minutes and 19 seconds with the lead, the second-shortest lead time for a winning team in Finals history.

In the final minutes, the team executed a perfect 8-0 run to close the game. Jonquel Jones was instrumental, scoring five straight points to set up the tied score before Ionescu delivered the final blow. It was a full team effort that showed the heart of a potential champion.

One Win Away from History

Now, the New York Liberty stand just one victory away from their first WNBA title. The franchise has made five previous trips to the Finals but has never managed to win it all. Game 4, set for Friday in Minnesota, could be the night they finally break the curse.

However, the Minnesota Lynx will not go down easily. As four-time WNBA champions, they have the experience and talent to force a decisive Game 5. Napheesa Collier, who scored 22 points in Game 3, has been a force throughout the playoffs, even setting a WNBA record for most points in a single postseason.

“We know we’re one game away from winning the championship,” Stewart said. “They’re going to give us everything they’ve got, but so are we.” The Liberty know they need a better performance, but for now, they are exactly where they want to be: on the brink of making history.