Ashley Nicole Moss draws Damian Lillard comparison to Sabrina Ionescu's epic game-winner

By John Ezekiel Hirro

Modified Oct 17, 2024 04:01 GMT

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Sabrina Ionescu nailed a clutch 3-pointer from the logo to clinch Game 3 on Wednesday, pushing the New York Liberty to a 2-1 lead in the WNBA Finals over the Minnesota Lynx. After the game, WNBA journalist Ashley Nicole Moss compared Ionescu's shot to Damian Lillard's iconic 2019 NBA playoffs buzzer-beater.

Game 3 was a nail-biter throughout once the Liberty regained the lead for the first time since the opening quarter. New York caught up with Lynx's strong start as Jonquel Jones hit a 3-pointer and followed up with a layup in the final two minutes. Ionescu then extended the Liberty's lead with a 3-pointer, pushing it to four.

The Lynx tied it again, thanks to a layup from Bridget Carleton and two free throws by Napheesa Collier. But Ionescu answered with a clutch logo 3-pointer to seal the win.

Moss posted on her Instagram story the iconic expression Lillard made after his game-winning shot that eliminated the OKC Thunder from the 2019 playoffs.

Moss references Lillard's 2019 game-winner vs OKC following Ionescu's game-winner

The two shots came at different moments, but both were stepback threes. Ionescu's shot happened later in the playoffs, during the WNBA Finals, while Lillard's occurred in the first round.

However, Lillard's 37-footer ended a series, whereas Ionescu's was to secure a game win.

Lillard finished the game with 50 points, six assists, seven rebounds and 10 triples on 17-for-33 shooting. Ionescu tallied 13 points on 5-for-12 shooting, including three 3-pointers, six assists and five rebounds.

Sabrina Ionescu makes All-WNBA Second Team

The league announced this year's All-WNBA teams on Wednesday. Three Liberty players earned spots, with Sabrina Ionescu named to the Second Team.

Breanna Stewart was named to the First Team, joining Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, MVP A’ja Wilson from the Las Vegas Aces, Connecticut Sun star Alyssa Thomas and Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark from the Indiana Fever, who became the first rookie in 16 years to be named to the First Team.

Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones were both selected for the Second Team. Phoenix Mercury's Kahleah Copper, Seattle Storm's Nneka Ogwumike and Dallas Wings star Arike Ogunbowale were the other selections.

Ionescu had an impressive season for the Liberty, averaging 18.2 points and 6.2 rebounds, both the second-highest marks of her career in the regular season.

After her Game 3 heroics, Ionescu was asked about not making the First Team, and she said:

"That was just a great All-WNBA Second Team performance."

The Liberty will look to clinch their first-ever championship on Friday. If needed, a winner-take-all Game 5 will be held on Oct. 20.