The New York Liberty pulled off a thrilling victory against the Minnesota Lynx at home during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, highlighted by a spectacular last-second shot from Sabrina Ionescu that secured an 80-77 win. Ionescu had just been honored with a spot on the All-WNBA Second Team alongside teammate Jonquel Jones, while Breanna Stewart made the First Team. Caitlin Clark, the standout rookie, also received First Team recognition. Following the game, a Lynx guard appeared to dismiss the WNBA award voters with her remarks.
“That was just a great All-WNBA Second Team performance,” she commented in a postgame interview, as reported by WNBA journalist Myles Ehrlich on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
WNBA Finals Game 3: Liberty defeat Lynx, Liberty lead series 2-1
Ionescu’s decisive basket brought the Liberty to the brink of their first WNBA Finals championship in six attempts, sending the Lynx back to re-evaluate their strategy for Game 4.
The Lynx had built a substantial 15-point lead at one stage, thanks to Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier, who played the entire 40 minutes and recorded 22 points and nine rebounds. However, the Liberty persevered, battling back until they created a winning opportunity in the dying seconds.
Kayla McBride also logged 38 minutes for the Lynx, contributing 19 points, but a poorly timed attempt to steal the ball allowed Ionescu the space she needed to launch her three-point shot.
“I feel like I was able to get a little separation in range and get a really good shot to go,” Ionescu stated, as reported by the Associated Press. While she managed only 13 points in Game 3, her last three were pivotal.
On the Liberty’s side, Breanna Stewart led the comeback in the second half, scoring 22 of the team’s 45 points during that period, ultimately finishing with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks.
“We know we’re one game away from winning the championship, and I think they are going to give us their best shot. They are going to give everything they have got, and you know what, so are we,” Stewart expressed after the game.
Image Source: Sabrina Ionescu @ Instagram
