In the dying moments of Game 3, the pressure was on. Breanna Stewart had carried the New York Liberty all game, but as the clock ticked down, it was Sabrina Ionescu’s time to shine. With just one second left, Ionescu drained a 28-foot three-pointer, securing an 80-77 victory over the Minnesota Lynx. This win moves the Liberty within one game of their first-ever WNBA title, a moment that has been a long time coming for the franchise.
The Shot Heard ‘Round New York
With the game tied at 77 and the ball in Ionescu’s hands, the outcome was far from certain. The Liberty had just completed one of the most dramatic comebacks in WNBA Finals history. But Ionescu’s 28-foot dagger sealed the game, leaving the Lynx stunned.
Coach Sandy Brondello had no doubt who was taking the shot. In the final timeout, she told Ionescu, “You’re going to shoot the shot.” And shoot she did. Ionescu pulled up from deep, just behind the logo, giving the Liberty their narrow victory.
- Go-ahead 3-pointer: Ionescu became the first Liberty player to make a go-ahead 3 in the final 5 seconds of a WNBA Finals game since 1999.
- Breaking records: Ionescu’s 3-pointer also broke the Liberty’s record for most career playoff 3s, surpassing Crystal Robinson’s 62.
- A night to remember: The shot was Ionescu’s 28th 3-pointer of the 2024 postseason, tying her franchise record for most in a single playoffs.
For Ionescu, it was almost a surreal moment. “I had to go look at the video after because I didn’t even remember how far I was. I just got a little separation and made sure I got a good shot.”
Stewart’s Heroics, Ionescu’s Moment
Though Ionescu grabbed the headlines, Breanna Stewart’s performance was nothing short of heroic. Stewart poured in 30 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and blocked four shots. The Liberty leaned heavily on her in the second half, with Stewart scoring 22 of the team’s 45 points after halftime.
“We don’t win this game without Stewie,” Ionescu said, giving credit where it was due. Stewart’s dominance, particularly in the fourth quarter, willed the Liberty back from a 15-point deficit. At one point, it seemed like Stewart might carry them alone, but in the end, it was Ionescu’s moment.
Still, Stewart’s leadership remains critical as the Liberty head into a potentially title-clinching Game 4. “We know we’re one game away from winning the championship. They’re going to give us everything they’ve got, but so are we,” Stewart said.
Liberty’s Historic Comeback
New York’s 15-point comeback is now the third-largest in WNBA Finals history. With only 2 minutes and 19 seconds spent in the lead, it was the second-shortest lead time in a Finals win in WNBA history. The only other time the Liberty led for less and still won? 1999, when Teresa Weatherspoon hit “The Shot.”
Bringing it back to the present, the Liberty went on an 8-0 run in the closing minutes of the game. Jonquel Jones played a crucial role, scoring five consecutive points before Ionescu’s clutch 3-pointer. For a team that has been so close, so often, this victory seemed like destiny.
What’s Next for the Liberty?
With the series now at 2-1 in favor of New York, the Liberty are on the verge of winning their first WNBA title. The team has appeared in the Finals five times but has yet to lift the trophy. Friday’s Game 4 in Minnesota could change that forever.
The Lynx, however, are no strangers to these moments. Having won four WNBA titles in their franchise history, they know how to perform under pressure. Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride have been stellar, and Minnesota’s defense has kept them competitive in this Finals series. Collier, who scored 22 points in Game 3, now holds the record for the most points in a single postseason in WNBA history.
The Liberty know the Lynx will fight hard, but their confidence is unwavering. “There’s a lot we didn’t do right tonight, but we got the win,” Stewart said, acknowledging room for improvement.
Can Ionescu and Stewart Lead the Liberty to History?
As the Liberty look to close out the series, all eyes will be on Ionescu and Stewart. Ionescu has now established herself as one of the game’s most clutch performers, but Stewart’s experience and leadership could be the deciding factor.
If New York wins, it will be a culmination of years of effort, heartbreak, and rebuilding. The team and its fans have waited for this moment since the Liberty’s inception, and now they are just 40 minutes away from making history.
Will Ionescu deliver another game-winning shot? Can Stewart continue her dominance? Friday’s game will answer those questions. Until then, New York holds its breath, one win away from a dream finally realized.
