Ionescu basket gives Freedom the lead (2:1)

Only the chosen are able to perform in crucial moments. And there's a reason Sabrina Ionescu was sponsored by Kobe Bryant. The late former Lakers player saw future basketball promise in this player, and last night she proved it again with nerves of steel.

WNBA Finals. Game 3. Only 9 seconds left in regulation time and the score is tied at 77. And what did the Liberty player do? On the final play of the game, he hit a triple against the stripes, reminding us of Curry's best performance when he won 80-77 and took a 2-1 lead over the Minnesota Lynx.

“It’s definitely the most important shot of my career,” Ionescu admitted to the media. ESPN.

“I would say that I imagine situations like this when I'm still preparing for the season, the night before a game or even in the game itself,” he explained. “I always visualize different scenarios and put myself in the most complicated situation.” Of course tonight wasn't my best game, but I have a way to move on… I felt like it was a great development for me. “Whether the balls go in or not,” he added.

Ionescu contributed 13 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists to New York's win, going 3/8 on triples.

For her part, MVP Breanna Stewart shone with 30 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks as well as a perfect 10/10 on free throws.

For the Lynx, Napheesa Collier was their biggest representative with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and five steals.

“We are pretty disappointed. “We're at home, we played well and we just couldn't win,” admitted Cheryl Reeve. “We need to shake off the dust and have another chance to play here at home.” “We'll see what we can do next Friday,” he concluded.

(Cover photo: David Berding/Getty Images)