Liberty Star Sabrina Ionescu Reflects on Epic Game-Winning Shot
MINNEAPOLIS – Following Wednesday morning’s shootaround, Liberty standout Sabrina Ionescu returned to the court to revisit a defining moment in her career: the pivotal shot that clinched Game 3 of the 2024 WNBA Finals.
The Iconic Moment
After locating the very spot where she made her legendary shot, Ionescu gazed toward the basket, a daunting 28 feet away. “I was just so far,” Ionescu admitted. “I don’t know why I shot that far.” The shot, which secured a crucial win for the Liberty, is already being hailed as one of the greatest in the team’s history, narrowly trailing behind Teresa Weatherspoon’s legendary 50-foot heave that saved New York from a Finals sweep in 1999.
Head Coach Sandy Brondello praised the intensity of that moment, stating, “It was an epic shot. We’ve seen Sabrina do it in practice, but not in a game.” Despite the Liberty’s subsequent 100-93 loss to the Lynx, where Ionescu scored 31 points, the gravity of her shot was undeniable. It had placed the Liberty at a 2-1 advantage in a best-of-five series, potentially steering them towards a championship title.
A Game-Changing Shot
Reflecting on the moment, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve emphasized the significance: “When you look back on it, without that play, they may not be champions. It was that big.” The power of Ionescu’s shot cannot be overstated; it served as a catalyst for the team’s momentum and may have saved their season.
Acknowledging the Moment and Moving Forward
On Wednesday, the Liberty returned to Target Center, echoing memories from those Finals games. Ionescu embraced the moment, even replicating her signature shot at the end of her shootaround. “I’ve watched it so many times,” she noted, but quickly added, “on to the next one.”
Liberty’s Current Challenges
Amidst the buzz of their recent accomplishments, the Liberty are navigating a demanding schedule, playing six games in just ten days. Natasha Cloud, one of the team’s key players, started to experience illness prior to a game against the Wings, battling symptoms like cold sweats, fever, and congestion.
Despite feeling unwell, Cloud remained resolute in her commitment to the game. “It was never not an option for me to play today, especially with this game and being down numbers,” she stated after contributing 12 points, seven assists, and four rebounds during the match. “This was a good reset day for us,” she reflected, noting that even in defeat, the team fought hard.
Support for Player Rights
The Liberty-Lynx game, prominently featured on ESPN, also showcased fan activism, with many attendees waving “Pay the Players” signs in support of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association as it pushes for a new collective bargaining agreement. Player Isabelle Harrison remarked, “The fans want us to be compensated for it, and we as players are going to continue to fight to get our fair share of the pie.” The pursuit for equitable pay in women’s sports is ongoing, extending beyond significant events like the All-Star weekend.
In Summary
Sabrina Ionescu’s breathtaking game-winning shot marks a highlight in Liberty history, reverberating through the team’s journey this season. As the Liberty navigate challenges while pushing for player rights, the resilience of its stars and fans continues to shine brightly. To stay updated on the ongoing WNBA season, visit WNBA’s official site.
