Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese praised Sabrina Ionescu 's late-game heroics, which propelled the New York Liberty to a 2-1 lead over the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals.
Reese went on social media to acknowledge Ionescu's 28-foot dagger that sealed the victory in Game 3 during its final seconds. Before Game 3 of the WNBA Finals , the Liberty star made a subtle but powerful statement with a gold Geppetto necklace tucked under her uniform. When asked about the jewelry, she told casual basketball watchers: "If you know, you know."
For those in the know, the necklace was more than just jewelry - it symbolized her Mamba Mentality and a nod to her close relationship with the late Kobe Bryant . The Los Angeles Lakers legend called her "Geppetto" for her ability to control the game on a string like the Disney puppet maker, her relentless work ethic, and her mental toughness.
Ionescu embodied that mentality on the court, stepping up in the clutch and sinking a game-winning shot that put the Liberty just one win away from their first-ever WNBA championship. With just 2.1 seconds left in regulation, she comfortably stepped into a 28-foot jumper to force the Minnesota Lynx to take a timeout before ultimately losing the game.
Reese went on X right after the shot happened and was reduced to saying: "Sheeshhhhhhhh #WNBAFinals" - in awe of the shot like many other spectators. The comment section was full of support for Ionescu, minus a few New York basketball fans pleading their face for Reese to one day join the Liberty. Four-time NBA scoring king and two-time champion Kevin Durant also tweeted about the shot and tagged Ionescu with the message: "Cold blooded killer." The Liberty displayed their relentless hunger, holding the Lynx to just six points in the final six minutes.
Their smothering defense and Ionescu's late-game takeover fueled a 15-point comeback, marking the third-largest in WNBA Finals history. Breanna Stewart won the team with 30 points, four blocks, and 11 rebounds. "I didn't realize how far out I was," said Sabrina to the press after making the shot. With the Liberty just one win away from their first championship, the late-game shot has already become a defining moment of the series.
In Game 1, she shot 33 percent from three, making 3 of 9 attempts in the Liberty’s overtime loss. Ionescu improved her efficiency in Game 2, hitting 40 percent of her three-pointers, contributing to New York’s dominant 80-66 win.
New York's victory coincided with the same day many WNBA fans voiced frustration over Ionescu's snub from the All-WNBA First Team honors . Despite an impressive individual season and the league's best regular-season record, Ionescu earned a spot on the Second Team.
The First Team featured Napheesa Collier, A'ja Wilson , Stewart, Alyssa Thomas , and WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark . Ionescu shared Second Team honors with Kahleah Copper, Nneka Ogwumike, Arike Ogunbowale, and Liberty teammate Jonquel Jones.
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