Sabrina Ionescu Facing Backlash Over Critical Mistake in WNBA Finals Game 1

Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals was a roller coaster, but the Minnesota Lynx pulled out a 95-93 win over the New York Liberty in overtime to take a 1-0 series lead.

Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu did not have her most efficient outing, recording 19 points on 8-of-26 shooting, five rebounds and three assists. New York forward Breanna Stewart added 18 points and nine rebounds as well but missed the game-tying shot in overtime as time expired.

However, there was one point in the final seconds of regulation where Ionescu may have cost the Liberty a win.

With five seconds left and the Liberty up by three, Lynx guard Courtney Williams went up for a three-point shot to tie the game. She made it, and Ionescu fouled her, giving Williams a free throw to potentially take the lead.

Williams made the free throw to give Minnesota an 84-83 advantage. Stewart was then fouled with under a second remaining in the game, making one of two free throws and sending it into overtime.

With the loss, many are pointing fingers at Ionescu, dubbing her foul with five seconds left as the turning point. WNBA fans left their comments about the foul on social media, and they are not happy.

"Ionescu causing her team a championship," one fan said.

"Sabrina Ionescu single handedly is going to cost the Liberty a loss this game… Crazy game…"

"Son ionescu is terrible"

"Ionescu (not a good defender) with one of the worst defensive plays I've ever seen. Absolutely awful."

"Courtney Williams be hooping and the Liberty really blew that lead. Terrible foul from Sabrina Ionescu"

"All-time dumb play by Ionescu bro"

The Game 1 loss marked only the second of the postseason for the Liberty, with the first coming in Game 3 against the Las Vegas Aces. In the regular season, New York finished with a 32-8 record, good enough for the top seed in the playoffs.

Game 2 between the Liberty and Lynx will take place on Sunday, Oct. 13, at 3:00 p.m. ET at Barclays Center.

Related: Kelsey Mitchell Earns Two-Word Nickname from Indiana Fever After 2024 WNBA Season

Related: Former Iowa Star Gabbie Marshall Fires Back at Caitlin Clark