Ionescu’s clutch 3-pointer with 1 second remaining lifts the Liberty to an 80-77 victory over the Lynx, securing a 2-1 lead in the WNBA Finals
Sabrina Ionescu observed Breanna Stewart lead the New York Liberty throughout the game, until the moment arrived for her to secure the victory. At that point, the ball was in her hands.
“During the timeout, (coach) Sandy (Brondello) stated, ‘You’re going to take the shot,’” Ionescu recounted.
The star guard successfully executed a 3-pointer from 28 feet with just one second left, clinching an 80-77 win over the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday night and bringing the Liberty one step closer to their first WNBA championship.
New York now holds a 2-1 lead in the finals, marking the first time the team has been ahead in the championship series, with the opportunity to clinch the title on Friday night in Minnesota.
“We understand that we are one game away from winning the championship, and I anticipate they will give us their utmost effort,” remarked Stewart, a two-time champion with Seattle. “They will put forth everything they have, and we will do the same. The turnaround is swift, but we will remain prepared.”
Ionescu mentioned that she needed to review the replay of her shot post-game to fully comprehend the moment.
“I didn’t really recall it. I had to quickly check the video to see how far I was,” she explained. “I believe I managed to create a bit of separation in range and executed a solid shot.”
With the score tied at 77, Ionescu controlled the ball, maneuvering before stepping back a few feet beyond the arc and successfully sinking a shot from 28 feet to take the lead.
“It’s quite remarkable. There was never any doubt. Stewie played a crucial role in bringing us back, but I felt it was the right moment for Sabrina,” Brondello remarked. “She executed a significant shot. She is an exceptional shooter and just required a bit of space.”
Stewart contributed 22 of the team’s 45 points in the second half, concluding the game with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocked shots.
“We wouldn’t have secured this victory without Stewie,” Ionescu stated. “There’s little more to say. That shot was impressive, but her contributions tonight were what truly brought us back into the game.”
Minnesota did not have a legitimate opportunity to tie the game at the buzzer.
“A great player made an excellent shot,” commented Minnesota guard Kayla McBride. “I defended her for 40 minutes.”
The Liberty overcame a 15-point deficit, positioning themselves one win away from claiming their first championship.
“There were numerous aspects we did not execute well tonight, and we need to have a short memory,” Stewart noted. “While we are pleased with this victory, our task is not yet complete.”
The Liberty have reached the finals five times previously, including last season, and have lost each time.
Facing a 73-69 deficit with 2:26 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Liberty scored eight consecutive points, with Jonquel Jones contributing the first five. Ionescu, who had a relatively subdued performance, then made another 3-pointer following a missed shot by the Lynx, extending the lead to 77-73 with 55.5 seconds left.
Bridget Carleton brought the Lynx closer with a layup, making it 77-75 just 21 seconds later. On New York’s subsequent possession, Ionescu attempted a 3-pointer that nearly went in but bounced out, allowing Minnesota to secure the rebound.
Napheesa Collier was fouled with 16 seconds remaining and converted both free throws to tie the game, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
Collier concluded the game with 22 points, while McBride contributed 19 for Minnesota.
“Our defense provided us with an opportunity to secure the victory, and our offense will support our defense,” stated Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve. “If someone had told me that we would achieve the number of stops we did and still not reach 80 points, I would have found that surprising.”
The Lynx altered the narrative from the first two games by establishing a double-digit lead in the first half. Unlike the previous contests where they held the lead for just over three minutes, Minnesota was ahead 60-50 with 2:28 remaining in the third quarter. However, the Liberty narrowed the gap to 62-61 by the end of the period, with Stewart scoring the last five points, including a three-point play with 19 seconds remaining.
In the fourth quarter, Stewart initiated the scoring for New York with the first eight points, leveling the game at 69 with another three-point play at the 6:18 mark.
Carleton then converted two free throws to take the lead just 12 seconds later. The score remained unchanged until Courtney Williams made a baseline pull-up jumper with 2:26 left, extending the Lynx's lead to four points.
SportsLigue