Sabrina Ionescu's clutch shot late in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals led the New York Liberty to a pivotal 80-77 victory over the Minnesota Lynx. Ionescu, who was officially selected to the All-WNBA Second Team on Wednesday before Game 3, had an honest message after the Liberty's win.
"That was just a great All-WNBA Second Team performance," Ionescu said during her postgame press conference, via Yahoo Sports.
Ionescu's star teammate, Breanna Stewart, was selected to the All-WNBA First Team. Meanwhile, her other star teammate, Jonquel Jones, was also selected to the All-WNBA Second Team. Both Jones and Stewart have positively impacted the Liberty as well, but Ionescu clinched the victory for New York on Wednesday night.
Ionescu seemingly had some extra motivation after not earning an All-WNBA First Team selection. In the end, she utilized that motivation and helped to bring her team within one victory of a championship as the Liberty are now only one game away from winning the 2024 WNBA Finals.
Sabrina Ionescu's overall 2024 season
Ionescu, 26, was selected to her third All-Star team in 2024. She also finished sixth in WNBA MVP voting. Ionescu averaged impressive numbers, recording 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game.
She realistically could have earned even more MVP consideration. Ionescu is one of the best players in the entire WNBA. However, she did shoot under 40 percent from the field for the first time since 2021. Additionally, Ionescu saw her three-point percentage drop from 44.8 percent in 2023 to 33.2 percent in 2024.
If Ionescu can find more consistency with her shot in 2025 then perhaps she will receive both serious MVP and All-WNBA First Team consideration. In the end, though, winning a championship is the primary goal and the Liberty are one win away from accomplishing that feat.
Liberty nearing WNBA Finals victory
The series certainly is not over. Minnesota has played well and they will not back down despite New York's current WNBA Finals lead. Game 4 will likely be another competitive affair.
The Liberty will look to build off their momentum from winning both Games 2 and 3, though. New York has done a tremendous job of responding after Minnesota earned a Game 1 victory on the road.
Game 4 of the WNBA Finals is scheduled for Friday night in Minnesota at 8 PM EST as the Liberty hope to win the championship.