In a nail-biting Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, Sabrina Ionescu's heroics—including a game-winning three-pointer—propelled the New York Liberty from a 15-point hole to an 80-77 victory over the Lynx.

Sabrina Ionescu's game-winning shot, dubbed the 'biggest of my career,' not only earned the Liberty a spot in WNBA Finals history with their third-largest comeback ever, but it also put them one win away from their first title. As Ionescu basked in her moment of glory, which Kevin Durant called 'cold blooded killer' material, the Liberty now hold a 2-1 series lead, setting the stage for a potentially title-clinching Game 4 on Friday.

The game could easily have ended differently. The Liberty were down by 15 points at one point, which, if you pay attention to sports, is often code for 'just start looking for your shoes.' However, the Liberty’s determination was as sticky as a pre-teen’s candy-covered fingers, as they chipped away at the Lynx’s lead inch by inch, much to the chagrin of Minnesota fans who might have still been reviewing their game-day nacho recipes.

Ionescu's performance was noteworthy not just for the last-second shot but for her overall contributions. She finished the game with 13 points, six assists, and five rebounds, reaffirming her reputation as not just a shooter, but a player who contributes in multiple dimensions of the game. It’s as if she brought a Swiss Army knife to the basketball court—except instead of tools for fixing things, she brought skills for breaking hearts.

Breanna Stewart, the other half of the Liberty's dynamic duo, was a force to be reckoned with, leading all scorers with an impressive 30 points and contributing 11 rebounds and four blocks. One can only imagine what a dynamic duo would look like on a superhero team: flashy capes, the ability to leap tall buildings, and perhaps an aversion to tight-fitting jerseys?

Despite the thrilling finish, Ionescu admitted post-game that she had to check the video replay to gauge how far she was from the basket when she launched her game-winning shot. One can assume that even she was surprised by what must have felt like a half-court hula hoop toss in the moment. It begs the question: is a player no longer clutch if they don’t remember the shot? Thankfully for her and the Liberty fans alike, this mystery will remain unsolved this week.

Meanwhile, the Lynx put up their best fight. Napheesa Collier led the charge for Minnesota, scoring 22 points, with Kayla McBride trailing a bit behind at 19. Their efforts were commendable, as they did not simply roll over. Rather, they provided the Liberty with an actual challenge—something to which most people would declare, 'good for them, but too bad for us.'

Now, the spotlight turns to Game 4, scheduled to take place in Minneapolis, which might feel like a home court advantage for the Lynx. Nevertheless, right now it’s hard not to picture the Liberty players practicing their shooting skills while wearing sunglasses—because you know, shades are necessary for perfecting that clutch game in the bright spotlight of the Finals.

As the Liberty prepare for the impending showdown—with a bright trophy tantalizingly close to their grasp—one can't help but think about the All-WNBA second team honor that came just before Ionescu's illustrious shot. Maybe there’s some cosmic connection there: seconds before you’re acknowledged as an elite player, you hit the biggest shot of your life. Somebody consider organizing a support group for second-place finishers; clearly, it might also involve some notable game-winning moments.

So as we await Friday’s Game 4—with keyboards ready and mugs full of hopeful beverages—it might be wise for Liberty fans to stock up on aspirin and possibly some celebratory confetti. After all, when it comes to WNBA Finals, things can swing faster than a toddler at a birthday party—potentially causing more than one heart to race amidst cheers, gasps, and maybe a strategically timed snack break.