Stewart was honored as first-team All-WNBA before the game. Ionescu and Jones were named to the second team, a fact Ionescu learned after hitting a crucial shot in the series.
“That was a fantastic second-team All-WNBA performance,” she quipped.
Coach Sandy Brondello of the Liberty remarked, “In these moments, it’s not about your strategies. It’s about how much you’re willing to compete.”
It would be unwise to suggest that the Lynx missed their opportunity to clinch title number five. Their defense provides them with a chance to push the series further, but the condition of center Alanna Smith is a major concern.
Smith’s playing time in Game 3 was limited to less than 20 minutes due to fouls and back issues. The Lynx heavily rely on their starting lineup, and the drop-off in performance is noticeable beyond that.
Fatigue likely played a role in their struggles with shooting in the fourth quarter, and now they face a quick turnaround for Game 4. Despite that, the Lynx have defied expectations all season. They are a resilient and tough team, and this will truly test their mettle.
