A return that remains etched in memories
Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, the New York Liberty showed the grit and determination that has made them a force to be reckoned with all season. Breakthrough performances and memorable moments defined his comeback, showing exactly what Liberty's star-studded roster is made of. The game featured Breanna Stewart, a dominant presence at both ends of the court, and Sabrina Ionescu, whose heroics at the end of the game sealed a decisive victory against the Minnesota Lynx.
Breanna Stewart: A Force of Nature
At her peak, Breanna Stewart is unstoppable—a relentless offensive and defensive powerhouse. Wednesday night was no different. Stewart attacked the Lynx from every conceivable angle. Whether scoring, protecting the rim, or defending multiple players simultaneously, she was everywhere. For most of the game, it looked like Stewart could single-handedly lead the Liberty to victory. But in the end, he didn't have to, because his partner, Sabrina Ionescu, was ready to give the final blow.
Sabrina Ionescu: The Clutch Finisher
As the game clock ticked down to the final minute, Ionescu took center stage. First, he hit a triple, giving Liberty a crucial four-point lead. Then, with just 2.1 seconds left, he hit a shocking 3-pointer that will forever be etched in Finals history. After the game, as New York celebrated an 80-77 victory, Ionescu casually greeted Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, exchanging mutual admiration in a moment that transcended sports boundaries.
A decisive victory in the series
With this win, Liberty now leads the series 2-1. If the Lynx pull off an impressive comeback in Game 1, New York's comeback in Game 3 could be the defining moment of the Finals. That's the scenario the Liberty envisioned while building this team, one the rest of the WNBA fears. By signing Breanna Stewart and making a trade for Jonquel Jones before the 2023 season, New York built a team capable of winning the franchise's first title.
The stars are aligning, but challenges remain
The chemistry between Stewart, Ionescu, and Jones resulted in immediate success. Stewart was named to the All-WNBA first team earlier this week, while Ionescu and Jones both earned second-team honors. Despite these assessments, Liria's journey has not been without obstacles. The competitive nature of the WNBA and the high expectations have tested the team, forcing them to constantly adapt.
Jones, a former MVP like Stewart, has felt underutilized at times in New York's system. His field goal attempts have dropped significantly since his last season with the Connecticut Sun, leaving some to question whether Liberty has unlocked his full potential.
Ionescu's role is developing
Sabrina Ionescu entered the league with generational talent expectations. Today, at 25, he finds himself the third most decorated player on his team, behind two former MVPs. While Ionescu's offensive prowess is undeniable, his defensive lateral speed has been a limitation. In a team full of attacking stars, opportunities to shine can be few and far between. At times, this has distorted Ionescu's image, making him seem less influential than he really is.
This series was no exception. In the third game, Ionescu scored only seven points in the first 39 minutes and committed two groin fouls. However, in the final moments, she never seemed worried. His decisive 3-pointer was a championship shot, made with confidence and poise as if he had dominated the entire game.
A champion mentality
Ionescu's run in the final moments of the third game reflected his self-belief. After the game, he humbly acknowledged Stewart's brilliance, saying, "That shot is nice, but it doesn't take away from what [Stewart] was able to do for us tonight and how did he managed to get back into the game."
Indeed, Stewart's contributions were monumental. Jones also found ways to influence the game, while coach Sandy Brondello masterfully led his team in the most critical moments. In a timeout with the game tied and 16 seconds left, Brondello hit the game-winning shot that beat Ionescu. "You're going to make this shot," he told his boss with unwavering confidence.
Ionescu gives when it counts
Her coach, Sandy Brondello, summed it up perfectly: "What I like about her is that she believes in herself. Not everyone can make these big shots. She can."
The vision of freedom comes to life
Breanna Stewart did the heavy lifting throughout the match, but it was Ionescu's stab that ended up costing the Lynx. Together with Jonquel Jones, this trio realizes the vision that was set in motion two years ago: a super team of elite talent, each capable of leading the Liberty to the top of the league. They aren't champions yet, but they can definitely see the finish line. One more win separates the Liberty from their first WNBA title, a moment they've been working toward all season. If Game 3 is any indication, they have the consistency, stamina, and star power to make it happen.
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