Buzzer-Beater Blitz: Liberty Edge Closer to WNBA Glory in Nail-Biting Thriller
The New York Liberty pulled off a heartbreaking showdown that will go down in WNBA history, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 80-77 in Game 3 of the Finals. The win puts the Liberty just one game away from their first-ever championship title.
The Target Center in Minneapolis was electric, packed to the rafters with a record-breaking crowd of 19,521 fans. The atmosphere was intense as both teams fiercely battled for supremacy in this crucial match.
The Lynx came out swinging, determined to set the pace early. They’d spent two days talking about the importance of a quick start, and boy, did they deliver. The home team roared out of the gates, much to the delight of their passionate supporters.
But in sports, it’s not how you start—it’s how you finish. And the finish is exactly what Liberty did.
As the clock ticked down, with the score tied at 77-77, all eyes were on Sabrina Ionescu. With ice in her veins, Ionescu launched a long-range missile from beyond the arc. Time seemed to stand still as the ball arced through the air. Then, swish! Nothing but the net. With just one second left on the clock, Ionescu’s clutch three-pointer sealed the deal for New York.
Not only did Ionescu step up when the situation demanded it. Breanna Stewart, the Liberty’s star forward, put on a show. After a quiet first half with only 8 points, Stewart exploded for 22 in the second, finishing with a game-high 30 points. Her performance mirrored Liberty’s own comeback story in this game.
The Lynx didn’t go down without a fight. Napheesa Collier led the charge for Minnesota with 22 points, while Kayla McBride chipped in 19. Their efforts kept the game tight until the very end, but it wasn’t quite enough to overcome New York’s late surge.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions. With just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Lynx held a 73-69 lead. But the Liberty refused to back down. They went on an 8-0 run, with Jonquel Jones igniting the comeback by scoring the first five points.
Ionescu, who had been relatively quiet for much of the game, chose the perfect moment to make her presence felt. Her three-pointer with 55.5 seconds left pushed the Liberty’s lead to 77-73, setting the stage for the dramatic finish.
The Lynx showed their resilience, clawing back to tie the game at 77-all. With just 16 seconds remaining, Bridget Carleton’s clutch layup and Collier’s icy free throws tied the game. However, Ionescu ultimately took center stage.
With this victory, the New York Liberty has taken control of the best-of-five series, leading 2-1. They’re now just one win away from capturing their first WNBA championship in franchise history. The Liberty have previously reached the Finals five times, including last season, but have always failed to secure the championship.
Although the loss is disheartening for Minnesota, the series remains far from concluded. They’ll have a chance to even things up in Game 4, scheduled for Friday night right back at the Target Center. Should they secure the victory, Sunday’s winner-take-all Game 5 in New York awaits us.
As we look ahead to Game 4, both teams will be digging deep. The Liberty will be riding high on momentum, eager to close out the series and claim their long-awaited championship. With their survival on the line, the Lynx will be determined to force a decisive Game 5.
If the remainder of this series follows the same pattern as Game 3, basketball fans are set for a thrilling experience. The WNBA Finals are delivering drama, skill, and excitement in spades. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this is the kind of sports theater that reminds us why we love the game.
So mark your calendars and set your alarms. Game 4 is coming up fast, and if it’s anything like what we’ve seen so far, you won’t want to miss a second of the action. The Liberty are on the brink of history, but the Lynx aren’t going down without a fight. It’s all to play for in Minneapolis on Friday night!