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Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu's dagger has WNBA world going berserk

Sabrina Ionescu comes through in the clutch!

Oct 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) shoots against the Minnesota Lynx during the first half of game three of the 2024 NBA Finals at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Oct 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) shoots against the Minnesota Lynx during the first half of game three of the 2024 NBA Finals at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The New York Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx 80-77 in a thrilling contest on Wednesday. New York now holds a 2-1 WNBA Finals lead after Sabrina Ionescu came through in the clutch for the Liberty.

With the score tied 77-77, Ionescu dribbled near the logo as the clock was winding down. The entire arena knew that Ionescu was going to take the final shot, but the question was how close would she get to the three-point line. Well, she ended up taking the shot from just a foot or two in front of the logo but still connected on the long-range attempt.

The Liberty took an 80-77 lead and would not look back in a winning effort. Ionescu's dagger led to reaction from around the WNBA world.

In fact, NBA players such as Luka Doncic and Kevin Durant shared reactions to Ionescu's clutch shot as well.

Sabrina Ionescu came through when it mattered, but it was Breanna Stewart who led the way for the Liberty on Wednesday. Stewart finished the game with 30 points and 11 rebounds. Ionescu ultimately recorded 13 points, five rebounds and six assists in the win.

Of course, Ionescu also hit one of the most impressive shots in WNBA Finals history. Game 3 will be a night she will always remember. With that being said, the job is certainly not finished.

Liberty lead WNBA Finals 2-1

2024 is the final year that the WNBA Finals is a best-of-five series. In 2025, the WNBA Finals will be a best-of-seven series. Fans likely wish this year's Finals was a best-of-seven, though, since there has been no shortage of excitement in these games between the Liberty and Lynx.

New York is now only one victory away from clinching a championship. They were the best team all season long and that has carried into the postseason. The Lynx, however, have unquestionably challenged the Liberty in this series. That is also something that likely will not change in Game 4.

Minnesota has one more game at home to try to keep the series alive. If the Lynx are able to win Game 4, they will head back to New York to play the Liberty in the final contest of the WNBA Finals.

Sabrina Ionescu's game-winning shot has completely shifted the momentum of the series, though. New York will enter Game 4 with plenty of confidence as they hope to clinch a WNBA Finals victory.

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