Sabrina Ionescu's perfect pre-game three-point warmup foreshadows WNBA Finals Game 3 heroics

Sabrina Ionescu wowed fans during pre-game warmups before Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, effortlessly sinking perfect three-point shots. As the New York Liberty prepared to face the Minnesota Lynx, Ionescu's display of sharpshooting set the tone for what would become one of the most pivotal moments in the Finals series. Known for her clutch performances, Ionescu's accuracy and confidence in warmups were a preview of the game-changing heroics she would later deliver.

With the WNBA Finals tied 1-1 between the Liberty and the Lynx, Game 3 was a critical matchup. New York, having lost the series opener at home, was under pressure to regain momentum. Ionescu's flawless pre-game shooting session seemed to foreshadow her eventual heroics, setting the stage for a dramatic finish in a closely contested game that came down to the wire.

As the game reached a tie at 77-77 with just one second remaining, Sabrina Ionescu took control. Pulling up from near the logo, she drained a deep three-pointer, securing an 80-77 victory for the Liberty. Ionescu's clutch shot lifted New York to a 2-1 series lead, putting them just one win away from their first WNBA championship.

Ionescu finished the game with 13 points, going 3 of 8 from beyond the arc. While her overall point total may seem modest, her ability to deliver under pressure made all the difference. Alongside Ionescu, Liberty superstar Breanna Stewart led the way with 30 points, including 9 of 20 shooting from the field and a perfect 10 of 10 from the free-throw line. Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich added 13 points each, contributing to the Liberty's comeback after trailing by double digits early in the game.

Napheesa Collier shines, but Lynx fall short as Liberty seize control of WNBA Finals

The Minnesota Lynx were led by Napheesa Collier, who scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Collier's defensive impact was felt throughout the game, as she also recorded five steals and two assists. However, the Lynx faced a setback when starting forward Alanna Smith left the game due to a back injury, limiting her to just 20 minutes and two points.

Despite strong performances from Kayla McBride, who scored 19 points, and contributions from Bridget Carleton and Courtney Williams, the Lynx couldn't hold off the Liberty's late surge. The third quarter proved to be the turning point for New York, as they outscored Minnesota 26-19 to shift the game's momentum in their favor.

With a 2-1 series lead, the Liberty head into Game 4 with confidence, aiming to clinch their first-ever WNBA championship. The Lynx, meanwhile, will be fighting to avoid elimination in front of their home crowd. Game 4 is set for Friday, Oct. 18, at 8 p.m. ET, with the stakes higher than ever for both teams.

In this high-stakes WNBA Finals showdown, Sabrina Ionescu's pre-game perfection and late-game heroics have put the New York Liberty on the verge of history. Can the Liberty close out the series, or will the Lynx force a Game 5? All eyes will be on Minnesota as the Finals continue.