The New York Liberty secured a thrilling 80-77 victory over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, taking a 2-1 lead in the series and moving within one win of their first-ever WNBA title. The Liberty's star guard, Sabrina Ionescu, delivered a game-winning 3-pointer from 28 feet with just a second remaining, capping off a remarkable comeback.
Trailing by 15 points, the Liberty fought back in the final minutes, with Breanna Stewart leading the charge with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocked shots. Stewart's dominant second-half performance set the stage for Ionescu's heroics, as she hit the decisive shot to put New York ahead.
Ionescu's clutch basket was a testament to her shooting prowess, as she calmly sank the long-range shot to break the tie and secure the victory. Despite her game-winning shot, Ionescu credited Stewart for her exceptional contribution throughout the game, acknowledging that the team wouldn't have won without her.
Minnesota put up a strong fight, with Napheesa Collier scoring 22 points and Kayla McBride adding 19. The Lynx's defensive effort kept them in the game, but they fell just short of forcing overtime as Ionescu's shot sealed the win for the Liberty.
The Liberty, who have previously appeared in five finals without a championship, are now on the brink of making history. With Game 4 looming, both teams are gearing up for a decisive showdown, knowing that the title is within reach.
As the series shifts back to Minnesota for Game 4, the Liberty are determined to close out the finals and secure their first WNBA title. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion as both teams prepare to give their all in pursuit of the championship.
