Teresa Weatherspoon’s iconic shot in WNBA 25 years ago

Teresa Weatherspoon, a guard for the New York Liberty, made a memorable shot during Game 2 of the 1999 WNBA Finals against the Houston Comets. With only 2.4 seconds left and the Liberty trailing 67-65, Weatherspoon's shot tied the game, allowing her team another chance to compete for the championship. This moment was particularly poignant for Weatherspoon, who had recently lost her 19-year-old nephew in a car accident, making the shot a bittersweet memory. Despite the excitement of the moment, the Liberty ultimately lost the series in Game 3, denying Weatherspoon a championship. Houston's coach, Van Chancellor, acknowledged the impact of Weatherspoon's shot but emphasized that the Comets' victory in the series was what truly mattered. The emotional weight of the game and the loss of her nephew lingered with Weatherspoon, who admitted to feeling 'salty' about the outcome whenever she encounters players from the Comets. Weatherspoon's composure under pressure was praised by her teammates, particularly by Hampton, who noted the importance of the moment in the context of their season. The shot not only provided a glimmer of hope for the Liberty but also highlighted the intense competition between the two teams. As the head coach of the Chicago Sky today, Weatherspoon reflects on that iconic moment with mixed emotions, recognizing its significance in WNBA history while grappling with the personal loss that accompanied it.