As the clock ran down in Game 3 of the Finals, Sabrina Ionescu dribbled down the court, gained separation from Kayla McBride, and hit a shot that could potentially change the course of the 2024 WNBA finals. Her clutch moment even earned her a new nickname—”Cold-blooded Killer“—a title given by NBA superstar Kevin Durant. However, despite her stellar performance throughout the season, Ionescu didn’t make the First Team All-WNBA.

When asked about it Sabrina smirked and answered with a cool “ That was just a great All-WNBA second team performance.” While the media laughed along with Ionescu during the press conference due to her comment, Head Coach Sandy Brondello backed up her player’s response to the question with one word “Epic.”

Though Ionescu only made the All-WNBA second team, she silenced critics by hitting the game-winner, helping the Liberty rally from a 10-point deficit. Reflecting on the decisive play, Ionescu shared, “In the timeout, Sandy said, ‘You’re going to shoot this shot.’” Her execution showcased confidence, especially after going just 2-for-7 from beyond the arc at that point and having managed just 10 points throughout the game.

“I’ve practiced that shot 1,000 times in my head,” she added, emphasizing her mental readiness. Brondello praised Ionescu’s ability to perform under pressure: “She backs herself. Not everyone can take those big shots and make them.”

While speaking about the game, Breanna Stewart, instrumental in the victory with 30 points and 11 rebounds, also commented on the team’s resilience. “They talked about the first five minutes going to come out punching. They punched us in the face in the first quarter,” Stewart noted in the post-game press conference. The Lynx had managed a 15-point lead entering the second quarter. But as Stewie notes, they continued to wear the home team down. 

Team Resilience Shines through

This game could be said to be a reversal of the past 2 games with Minnesota leading and New York chasing their lead. Statistically too, the Liberty dominated the Lynx on both ends of the court. The team shot 45.9 percent from the field compared to the Lynx’s 38.7 percent. They also managed a perfect 14-for-14 from the free throw line and edged the Lynx in rebounds, 33 to 32.

Reflecting on this dominating victory, Head Coach Sandy Brondello stated, “We were competing. We had heart. It’s not about your schemes in these moments; it’s about how hard you want to compete. Everyone that stepped on the court did their job.” 

Stewart and Ionescu also echoed their Coach’s sentiment, as they explained that, although the media was talking about Stewart’s 30-point run or Sabrina’s game-winner, there were many role players that were an important piece of their collective win.

4 of Liberty’s starters managed a double-digit score with another set of 4 recording at least 4 rebounds and 1 block. Apart from Stewart leading the game and Sab coming in clutch, Jonquel Jones added 5 consecutive points, 2 minutes left on the clock, to finally give her team the lead in the quarter.

Team effort a win indeed for the Liberty.