The New York Liberty are just one win away from their first-ever WNBA title after a thrilling 80-77 victory over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, thanks to one Sabrina Ionescu.
With the score tied at 77-all and time winding down, Ionescu delivered the game-winning shot—a step-back three-pointer from the Lynx logo with just three seconds left.
💥SABRINA IONESCU😱 pic.twitter.com/66gLQPcVCt
— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 17, 2024
Minnesota couldn't respond in the final second, giving New York their second straight win and a 2-1 lead in the series.
Asked about her epic shot, Ionescu couldn't help but make a jab at her All-WNBA Second Team nod, "That was just a great All-WNBA Second Team performance."
ONE OF THE BIGGEST SHOTS IN LIBERTY FINALS HISTORY FROM SABRINA IONESCU 😱🔥
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 17, 2024
The Liberty takes Game 3! #WNBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/Whv0AMnNl9
Ionescu had 13 points--including three triples--plus five rebounds and six assists.
The NBA and WNBA basketball community had to give Ionescu her flowers.
"Wow Sabrina, sheesh," posted Miami Heat guard Victor Oladipo.
"Sabrina so cold for that," added Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale.Wow Sabrina sheesh 😮?💨
— Victor Oladipo (@VicOladipo) October 17, 2024
"What a shot🔥🔥🔥," posted Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic.Sabrina so cold for that
— Arike Ogunbowale (@Arike_O) October 17, 2024
"Sheeshhhhhhhh #WNBAFinals," posted Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese.What a shot🔥🔥🔥
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) October 17, 2024
The Slim Reaper himself, Kevin Durant, nodded to Ionescu, "Cold blooded killer @sabrina_i20."sheeshhhhhhhh #WNBAFinals
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) October 17, 2024
Cold blooded killer @sabrina_i20
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) October 17, 2024
The Lynx started strong, building a 28-18 lead in the first quarter and extending their advantage to as much as 15 points.
However, the Liberty fought back with a dominant third quarter, outscoring the Lynx 26-19.
All-WNBA First Team member Breanna Stewart led the charge for New York with a game-high 30 points, including 22 in the second half, along with 11 rebounds and four blocks.
Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier, also an All-WNBA First Team member, had 22 points, while Kayla McBride chipped in with 19.
Game 4 is on Monday, October 21, 8 a.m., Philippine time.
