Liberty on the Brink of History: Ionescu’s Heroics Seal Epic Comeback
In a thrilling turnaround, the New York Liberty staged an incredible 15-point comeback to defeat the Minnesota Lynx 85-82 in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. This marks the second time in the series that a team has overcome a deficit of 15 points or more, a first in WNBA playoff history.
Breanna Stewart’s Dominant Performance
Breanna Stewart was unstoppable, tallying 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks. She single-handedly kept the Liberty in the game, scoring 13 straight points across the third and fourth quarters. Her defense was equally impressive, guarding Napheesa Collier and roaming the lane to disrupt the Lynx’s offense.
Sabrina Ionescu’s Game-Winning Shot
Just when it seemed like Stewart would be the hero, Sabrina Ionescu stole the show. Her 28-foot three-pointer with 1 second remaining sealed the win for the Liberty. This clutch shot is the second-longest go-ahead field goal in the final 5 seconds in WNBA Finals history.
What Changed for Ionescu?
Ionescu’s game-winning shot was a culmination of her growth throughout the game. After a slow start, she became the best player on the floor in the final minutes, making crucial plays on both ends of the court. Her learning experiences from last year’s Finals loss and poor shooting in Game 1 seemed to fuel her determination.
The Impact of Alanna Smith’s Injury
Alanna Smith’s back injury in the first half significantly impacted the game. The Lynx forward’s absence allowed the Liberty to adjust their defense, leaving Myisha Hines-Allen open on the perimeter. This strategy worked, as Minnesota made only two field goals in the final 6:39.
A Flip in Momentum
Wednesday’s game was a reversal of Game 1, with the Lynx getting out to an early lead at home only to see the Liberty make a late comeback. While Stewart and Ionescu seemed to gain energy in the second half, the Lynx may have felt the effects of a shorter bench and fatigue from their five-game semifinal series against Connecticut.
The WNBA Finals continue with Game 4 on Friday, as the Liberty look to capitalize on their momentum and secure their first championship title.
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