he New York Liberty, on the brink of history, took a giant step towards their first-ever WNBA title with an 80-77 win over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. Sabrina Ionescu played hero, nailing a game-winning three-pointer in the final moments to give the Liberty a crucial 2-1 series lead.
The thrilling matchup in Minneapolis had fans on the edge of their seats, with both teams trading blows in a game marked by dramatic comebacks and standout performances.
A Battle in Minneapolis: Liberty Overcome Early Deficit
The game didn’t start in the Liberty’s favor, as the Minnesota Lynx led at halftime behind the sharp shooting of Kayla McBride, who racked up 13 points in the first half. It looked like the Lynx might control the game, but the Liberty found their rhythm in the second half.
Breanna Stewart, a key force throughout the season, led the charge for New York. “We’re not done yet,” Stewart said, emphasizing the determination needed to fight back against the Lynx’s aggressive defense.
A Fourth-Quarter Rally That Set the Stage for Ionescu’s Heroics
The turning point came in the fourth quarter, when Stewart sank a three-pointer to tie the game at 66. From that point, both teams fought fiercely, exchanging leads. Jonquel Jones provided a critical layup, followed by Ionescu’s three-pointer with under a minute to go, giving the Liberty a 77-73 lead.
The Lynx refused to back down, with Napheesa Collier calmly sinking two free throws to tie the game at 77 with 16 seconds left. But Sabrina Ionescu, despite struggling for much of the game, had the last word.
The Game-Winner: Ionescu’s Iconic Shot
With the score tied, Ionescu received the inbound pass and launched a three-pointer from near the logo with just over two seconds remaining. As the ball sank through the net, the Liberty players erupted in celebration.
“I had to go look at the video really quickly to see how far I was,” Ionescu joked after the game. “Sometimes it goes in, sometimes it doesn’t. I’ve practiced that shot a thousand times in my head, on the court.”
Ionescu described the moment as “the biggest shot of my career—and hopefully not the last.”
Stewart and Collier Shine in a Historic Game
Breanna Stewart was a dominant presence, finishing with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks. Meanwhile, Napheesa Collier not only scored 22 points but also made history. With 249 points, Collier broke Diana Taurasi’s record for the most points in a single postseason, a mark set back in 2009.
“We know we’re one game away from winning the championship,” Stewart said, acknowledging the quick turnaround before Game 4. “They are going to give us their best shot, and you know what, so are we.”
All Eyes on Game 4: Liberty Chase Their First Title
Game 4 will tip off at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, with the Liberty just one win away from their first-ever WNBA championship. The Minnesota Lynx, however, have proven they won’t go down without a fight.
With the Liberty holding a 2-1 series lead, the stage is set for a thrilling finish. Ionescu, Stewart, and the rest of the Liberty will aim to make history and bring the long-awaited title to New York.
The Liberty know the stakes are high. As Stewart put it, “The job is not done.”
