MINNEAPOLIS — As the New York Liberty faced off against the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, Breanna Stewart found herself on the bench during a crucial moment in the fourth quarter, her team trailing by two points. The Liberty had fought back from a 15-point deficit in the first quarter, largely due to Stewart's impressive 30-point performance.
Before the Liberty took the court again, with a raucous crowd of 19,521 fans cheering for the Lynx, Stewart made her intentions clear. "We are not going to f---ing lose this game," she declared, a rallying cry that resonated with her teammates.
"I could feel it," Stewart reflected on that pivotal moment. "The momentum was shifting to our side. If we're this close, we’re not leaving here without this win."
And indeed, the Liberty made her words a reality.
In the final 2:10, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones contributed 11 crucial points, culminating in Ionescu's stunning 28-foot 3-pointer that clinched an 80-77 victory. This win brought New York within one game of securing the 2024 WNBA title.
Key Moments of the Game
While Ionescu’s dramatic final shot will likely be the highlight, it was Stewart's dominant performance that kept the Liberty in the game. She finished with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks, making her the only player in WNBA history with multiple 30-point, 10-rebound Finals games. Stewart also holds the distinction of scoring 30 points in a Finals game for two different franchises, previously achieving this with the Seattle Storm.
"I don't think we win this game without Stewie," Ionescu acknowledged. "Her contributions kept us in it, and her ability to will us back into the game was incredible."
"She carried us," added Jones. "Without her, we wouldn't be in a position to make those big plays."
Roller Coaster Finals
This year's WNBA Finals have been a whirlwind for both Stewart and the Liberty. In Game 1, New York squandered a 15-point lead with just five minutes left, ultimately losing in overtime. Stewart faced heartbreak after missing a crucial free throw and a layup that could have tied the game at the buzzer.
Game 2 saw the Liberty bounce back, with Stewart delivering a strong performance of 21 points and 5 steals. However, during Game 3, the Liberty initially struggled against Minnesota's defensive intensity, committing eight turnovers in the first quarter that the Lynx converted into 14 points.
Stewart began to find her rhythm in the second quarter, contributing six points and helping to trim the deficit to eight at halftime. After the break, she exploded for 13 consecutive points, including two 3-pointers, demonstrating her ability to take control of the game.
Defensive Mastery
Stewart's impact extended beyond her offensive prowess. Her defensive contributions were equally significant, as she recorded three of her four blocks in the second half and limited Lynx star Napheesa Collier to a mere 4-for-12 shooting, forcing her into six turnovers over the last two games.
"You can see her experience and talent," remarked New York guard Leonie Fiebich. "On both ends of the court, she made crucial plays. Her effort was incredible."
The Road Ahead
The parallels between Game 3 and Game 1 were striking, with New York again overcoming a substantial deficit to secure a vital victory. Stewart noted that the team had been eagerly awaiting their moment to turn the tide since the painful Game 1 loss.
"I was motivated," she said about the contest. "I was mad that we were losing. I liked my matchups and focused on attacking to get us back in the game."
Now, with one more win needed, Stewart stands on the brink of delivering the Liberty their first championship, a goal she envisioned when she signed with the team in the offseason. This opportunity also allows her to exorcise the memories of last year's Finals, where she struggled in a critical Game 4 as the Las Vegas Aces celebrated their title.
If the Liberty win on Friday or in a potential Game 5 on Sunday, Stewart would join an elite group of players, becoming just the second in WNBA history to win at least three Finals MVP awards, following Cynthia Cooper.
Focus on the Task at Hand
Despite the potential for glory, Stewart remained grounded after the game, emphasizing that their job was far from complete. "We know we’re one game away from winning the championship," she said. "They’re going to give us their best shot, and so are we."
With her leadership and exceptional performance, the Liberty are poised to make history, and all eyes will be on them as they aim for their first WNBA title.
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