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Sabrina Ionescu has always been her: Former Duck hits game-winner in WNBA Finals

Sabrina Ionescu was one of the greatest collegiate women's basketball players of all time and now she's lighting up the WNBA for the New York Liberty.

By Sam Fariss

New York Liberty v Minnesota Lynx - Game Three
New York Liberty v Minnesota Lynx - Game Three / David Berding/GettyImages
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In Game 3 of the 2024 WNBA Finals, none other than Sabrina Ionescu pulled up for a three-point shot that would give the New York Liberty the game-winning lead. She drained it, of course, from the logo, and you know what? Nobody should have been surprised.

Ionescu lit up the college basketball scene for four years while she played for the Oregon Ducks and was a renowned shooter, ball handler, and passer throughout her collegiate career.

Also read: The Caitlin Clark vs. Sabrina Ionescu debate should be settled by one simple stat

Game winners are nothing knew to Ionescu and neither are the WNBA Finals. Just one year ago, Ionescu and the Liberty found themselves in the Finals against the Las Vegas Aces and while New York couldn't find the ring last season, Ionescu got her first taste of what was possible.

This season, the former Duck and her squad are taking on the Minnesota Lynx in the Finals and all three games, so far, have been battles for the Liberty. However, Ionescu has shined brightly in each appearance. The winning shot in Game 3, though, garnered national attention.

From Oregon head coach Kelly Graves in the stands to NBA star Kevin Durant watching at home, the country had its eyes on the game as Ionescu hit the game-winner and afterwards told ESPN reporter Holly Rowe that she' was made for shots like this.

"I'm built for this moment," Ionescu said, and she's right.

Despite struggling throughout most of Game 3, Ionescu finished the night with 13 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds (all off the defensive glass).

Throughout the series, Ionescu has averaged 15.67 points per game and currently leads the Liberty in steals and assists this season. These kind of stats aren't a new experience for the former Duck. When she was with Oregon, Ionescu was an unstoppable force on both ends of the court.

In college, Ionescu averaged 18 points, 7.7 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game. At the end of four years, she had 2,562 career points, 1,091 career assists, 1,040 career rebounds, and 207 career steals.

Sabrina Ionescu has always been that player and the WNBA needs to wake up and realize it.

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