Ionescu’s 3-pointer marks the latest memorable last-second shot in WNBA Finals
Sabrina Ionescu's exhilarating shot for the New York Liberty, executed with just one second remaining in Game 3 on Wednesday night, is destined to be remembered as one of the most remarkable moments in WNBA Finals history.
This moment occurred 25 years after a legendary shot in basketball lore, when Teresa Weatherspoon made a halfcourt heave at the buzzer to tie the Liberty's playoff series against Houston.
The Minnesota Lynx also have a rich history of buzzer-beaters in the Finals, experiencing both triumphs and defeats as a result.
Five most iconic shots in WNBA Finals history:
Game 2 of the 1999 series between New York and Houston
With only 2.4 seconds remaining and the Liberty trailing 67-65, Weatherspoon received the inbounds pass, advanced to halfcourt, and launched a shot that banked in at the buzzer, leveling the best-of-three series against Houston. The Liberty, however, lost to the Comets less than 24 hours later.
Game 3 of the 2015 series between Minnesota and Indiana
Maya Moore had not made a buzzer-beater since her AAU days. With the score tied at 77, the Lynx forward received the ball near the top of the key with just 1.7 seconds on the clock.
She faked a shot, took a dribble to her right, and released a winning three-pointer. This victory gave Minnesota a 2-1 series lead, and they ultimately clinched the championship in five games.
In the inaugural game of the 2016 series between Los Angeles and Minnesota
Alana Beard emerged as an unexpected standout. The defensive powerhouse played a crucial role in securing a 1-0 advantage for the Sparks by sinking a jumper from the corner, right in front of her team's bench, as time expired, breaking a 76-76 deadlock.
This season marked a significant change in the league's playoff structure, as it no longer adhered to conference divisions; instead, the WNBA invited the top eight teams to compete in the playoffs.
In the decisive Game 5 of the 2016 series
Beard had initially propelled the Sparks to victory in Game 1; it was Nneka Ogwumike who clinched the championship for Los Angeles with her game-winning shot. The thrilling match featured 11 ties and 23 lead changes, with the final shift occurring just 3.1 seconds before the end.
After securing an offensive rebound, Ogwumike's first shot was blocked, but she quickly recovered and executed a fadeaway jumper, giving the Sparks a 77-76 lead that they maintained until the final buzzer.
Game 3 of the 2024 series between New York and Minnesota
The Liberty staged a remarkable comeback from a 15-point deficit. With the score tied at 77, Sabrina Ionescu received the ball near halfcourt.
She skillfully dribbled down the clock before moving to her left and launching a 28-foot shot from in front of the logo, which swished through the net with just one second remaining. Minnesota was unable to respond in time, allowing New York to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
SportsLigue
