With the WNBA Finals tied at 1-1, things heated up between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3. Fans were starting to wonder if Sabrina Ionescu was really bringing her A-game. But just when everyone was waiting for someone to step up, the Liberty guard silenced the doubters in the most clutch way possible, nailing a three-pointer that flipped the entire game. 

With the score tied at 77, she drained a deep 3-pointer from near the logo, leaving just one second on the clock. In no time, the buzz started. Even stars like Angel Reese, Aliyah Boston, Kevin Durant, and more couldn’t help but take to their social media, praising her ice-in-the-veins moment. 

But before making the third-largest comeback in WNBA Finals history, she wasn’t in her best form. The 26-year-old had been relatively quiet throughout the game. She had managed only 10 points through four quarters, shooting just 2 of 10 from the field. This continued the trend of her relatively sub-par performances in the Finals. After a poor 8-26 night in Game 1, she had just 15 points in Game 2. However, in the end, what matters now is she pulled off a show-stopping 28-foot 3-pointer, sealing an 80-77 victory for the Liberty just in time. 

Post-game, Sab shared her thoughts on that critical shot, saying, “I didn’t really remember it. I had to look at the video real quickly and see how far I was. In the timeout, Sandy (Brondello) was like, ‘You’re going to shoot the shot.’ I feel like I was able to get a little separation in range. Get a really good shot to go. I let the shot clock wind down and got the space.” 

Now, along with the fans, the stars are blown away by her performance, too. They are expressing their awe through social media. 

Celebrities applaud Sabrina Ionescu’s game-winning heroics

“sheeshhhhhhhh #WNBAFinals,” the Chicago Sky talent Angel Reese expressed at the thrill, while the last shot left Aliyah Boston mesmerized with the Liberty no.20. “What a shot Sabrina,” she joined the crowd of admirers. 

Then there was Kevin Durant, who posted, “Cold blooded killer @sabrina_i20.” One of the biggest stars of the NBA surely knows a thing or two about performing under pressure, and he sees that same killer instinct in Ionescu.

Dearica Marie Hamby was equally amazed, posting, “IS THAT WHAT SANDY DREW UP!!?!?? 😫😫😫 @sabrina_i20 did that!!!!!!” Well, Brondello has been bringing the best game this season. As she herself said, “I don’t think they’ve [Lynx] seen us at our best. We have to bring our best, and hopefully, that’s enough.” And now we know exactly what she meant. 

Next was Luka Doncic, known for his clutch plays in the NBA, so you know he appreciates a good buzzer-beater when he sees one. He penned, “What a shot🔥🔥🔥.” Now, it’s not just athletes but the broadcasters are heaping praise on the Liberty star, too.

The ESPN analyst, Stephen A. Smith has seen his fair share of incredible performances, but this one clearly struck a chord with him. Along with a video clip of the shot, he exclaimed, “SHEESH @sabrina_i20.” 

But it was Elle Duncan who summed it up perfectly, “Sab said it’s not how many you score it’s WHEN…whoa.” Ionescu has always shown that she can perform when it matters. Just a few weeks prior, she scored a career-high 36 points against the Atlanta Dream, helping the team to advance to the semis. 

And now this thrilling win. The New York Liberty now stands just one victory away from their first championship title. After appearing in the finals five times before and coming up short each time, this could be their moment.