Sabrina Ionescu’s clutch and-1 three-pointer in the final minute sealed a crucial victory for the New York Liberty over the Minnesota Lynx, capping a heated rivalry game and responding to previous trash talk. This play was a defining moment in a game that had playoff implications and intense emotions.
Who was involved: The key figures were Sabrina Ionescu, the star guard for the New York Liberty, who made the decisive play, and the Minnesota Lynx, led by players like Courtney Williams. The game was part of a longstanding rivalry between these two WNBA powerhouses, with Williams having made inflammatory remarks earlier in the week, adding fuel to the competition.
What happened: In a tightly contested game, Ionescu hit a three-point shot with 33.9 seconds remaining while being fouled, resulting in an and-1 opportunity. She made the subsequent free throw, extending the Liberty’s lead and effectively securing an 85-75 win. This play was highlighted by social media reactions and post-game interviews, where Ionescu cheekily said ‘Night, night’ to the Lynx.
When and where it occurred: The event took place on Tuesday night, August 19, 2025, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The game was part of the regular season, with both teams vying for playoff positioning as the season nears its end.
Why it was significant: This game was highly anticipated due to the intense rivalry that stemmed from the 2024 WNBA Finals, where the Liberty defeated the Lynx in a five-game series. Courtney Williams’ recent comments criticizing the Liberty added personal stakes, making this a statement game for New York to assert dominance and silence critics.
How the play unfolded: With the Liberty leading 79-75 and under a minute left, Ionescu secured an offensive rebound and launched a 30-foot three-pointer. She was fouled during the shot, drawing a flagrant foul. After making one of two free throws, the lead grew to eight points, putting the game out of reach and igniting the home crowd.
Impact: The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for the Liberty and marked their first win against the Lynx in the 2025 season, improving their record and morale. It demonstrated the team’s resilience without injured star Breanna Stewart and solidified Ionescu’s role as a clutch performer, potentially boosting their playoff seeding.
What’s next: Both teams are expected to be strong contenders in the upcoming playoffs, with key players like Stewart and Napheesa Collier likely returning from injuries. This win could set the stage for another postseason clash, continuing the drama and competition between these franchises.