Ionescu's Last-Minute 3-Pointer Leads Liberty to Finals Win over Lynx
- Sabrina Ionescu made a game-winning three-pointer with just one second left, leading the New York Liberty to an 80-77 victory over the Minnesota Lynx.
- The Liberty overcame a 15-point deficit and now hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five WNBA Finals series.
- With this win, New York is one victory away from securing its first WNBA championship.
On October 16, 2024, the New York Liberty faced the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals in Minneapolis. The game was intense, with the Lynx initially leading by as much as 15 points. However, the Liberty, led by Breanna Stewart's impressive performance of 30 points and 11 rebounds, mounted a comeback in the second half. With just 1 second remaining and the game tied at 77, Sabrina Ionescu hit a crucial three-pointer from 28 feet, sealing the victory for New York. This win marked a significant moment for the Liberty, who have previously appeared in the finals five times without securing a championship. The victory not only gave them a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series but also positioned them just one win away from their first title. The Liberty's ability to overcome a substantial deficit showcased their resilience and determination. The Lynx, despite their strong start and a record home crowd of 19,521, were unable to maintain their lead. They now face the challenge of winning two consecutive games to claim their fifth championship title. The pressure is on as they prepare for Game 4, knowing they must perform at their best to avoid elimination. As the series progresses, the Liberty's confidence grows, but they remain focused on the task ahead, understanding that the next game will be crucial in their pursuit of a historic championship victory.