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Sabrina Ionescu has firmly established herself as one of the finest players in the modern era of the WNBA. Her illustrious resume includes being a WNBA champion (2024), a three-time WNBA All-Star (2022-2024), a three-time All-WNBA Second Team member (2022-2024), and the 2023 WNBA Three-Point Shootout champion. In addition, the talented New York Liberty guard contributed significantly to Team USA’s gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics last year.
Currently, the 27-year-old is in Paris for the NBA Games, celebrating the league’s renewed partnership with Swiss watch giant Tissot. During her time in the French capital, she shared with SportsTak about her reflections on the iconic clutch shot she made during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals last October.
“I Practiced That Shot Many” Times”—Sabrina Ionescu
Sabrina Ionescu’s game-winning three-pointer in the WNBA Finals last year remains one of the most iconic moments in basketball. With just about 10 seconds left in regulation, the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx were tied at 77-77. As the clock ticked down, Ionescu received the inbound pass, skillfully dribbled around the perimeter, and launched a deep three-point attempt with only three seconds left on the clock. The ball soared through the air and dropped into the basket, sealing an 80-77 win for the Liberty and giving them a decisive 2-1 lead in the Finals series.
Reflecting on that moment, Ionescu revealed her confidence and preparation leading up to the shot.
“I wasn’t thinking too much while it was all happening; obviously I knew I was going to get the shot and kind of just wanted to just be completely in the moment and not think about what would happen if I did or did not make the shot. I think it was more just understanding that this is an opportunity that I have and have practiced the shot millions of times,,” she shared during the interview with SportsTak [04:16 onwards].
“so kind of went out there and just did it, obviously very thankful that it went in, and that’s a shot that I’ve practiced so many times, and so I wouldn’t say it was really lucky; I think it was something that when it left my hands I knew it was going to go in, so obviously thankful that that shot helped us win a championship,” added Ionescu.
The clutch moment highlighted Sabrina Ionescu’s composure and ability to deliver under pressure, cementing her place among the greats of the sport. While the basketball world continues to celebrate her performance, she remains focused on honing her craft and contributing to the success of her team.
Ionescu’s current visit to Paris as part of the NBA’s partnership renewal with Tissot underscores her role as a global ambassador for basketball. Her achievements and iconic moments, like the Finals shot, serve as inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide.
