Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu on Game-Winning 3 vs. Lynx: ‘I’m Built for This Moment’

Andrew PetersOctober 17, 2024

Adam Bettcher/NBAE via Getty Images

Sabrina Ionescu hit one of the biggest shots of her career on Wednesday in the WNBA Finals.

The New York Liberty star drained a deep three to give her team the lead over the Minnesota Lynx with just a second to play, sealing a victory in Game 3.

WNBA @WNBAAnd you thought it couldn’t get crazier?! 🤯

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After the win, Ionescu broke down what was going through her head in the huge moment.

“I trusted my preparation. I’m built for this moment,” she told ESPN’s Holly Rowe. “I missed one that could’ve sealed the game and I just got an open look and trusted that I could make it. My teammates got me open and it feels good to get a win.”

Breanna Stewart led the way for the Liberty for most of the night, scoring 30 points and grabbing 11 boards, but it was Ionescu who delivered as the hero with the big shot. Ionescu finished with 13 points, six assists and five rebounds.

There’s been no shortage of drama in this year’s WNBA Finals. Game 1 went into overtime with Minnesota ultimately stealing a two-point win on the road. New York bounced back with a 14-point win to even the series in Game 2 before winning Wednesday’s nail-biter.

Now, the top-seeded Liberty are just one win away from securing their first championship in franchise history. Despite reaching the Finals six times, the Liberty have never come away with the trophy, including last season when they fell to the Las Vegas Aces.

They were the best team in basketball during the regular season and now have the chance to end their season with a win.

But the Lynx will be fired up after the close loss on Wednesday as they return home to Minnesota. New York will need another big game from Stewart and perhaps more heroics from Ionescu to end the series in four games.