Just days before the New York Liberty face off against the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals, star guard Sabrina Ionescu had a fierce message for her team: “We know what it takes to lose.” A bold statement, right? But hey, when you’ve been so close to the championship only to have the trophy slip through your fingers, you earn the right to be blunt.
The Liberty are no strangers to disappointment, having reached the Finals five times without a single ring to show for it. Their last attempt was just last year when they were left licking their wounds after a 3-1 drubbing by the Las Vegas Aces. Ouch. Imagine coming all that way only to be sent home with a “Thanks for participating!” badge. It’s like making it to a buffet and being told they’re out of your favorite dish.
But that bitter memory isn’t just haunting them; it’s fueling them. According to Sabrina, this season is about using the agony of last year’s defeat as rocket fuel to avoid another heartbreaking finish. “We’ve done what we needed to get here. We know what it takes to lose. We don’t know yet what it takes to win,” Sabrina said, essentially channeling the collective trauma of Liberty fans everywhere.
If you think that sounds intense, wait until you hear her follow-up: “It’s understanding, using that, and continuing to be fueled by that feeling that we all felt in the locker room last year, to not feel that again.” So basically, she’s saying, “Remember how terrible it felt? Let’s never do that again.” The kind of locker-room motivation that probably makes the team want to run through a brick wall—hopefully, not literally.
Revenge is a Dish Best Served with a 3-1 Victory
And speaking of last year’s heartbreakers, Sabrina and Co. have already gotten a slice of revenge pie this postseason. After all, the Aces were the Liberty’s kryptonite last season. But this time around, Sabrina and her squad served a cold dish of payback, eliminating the Aces with a 3-1 win in the semi-finals. That’s right, 3-1. Tables turned, karma repaid, and “bye-bye Aces!” ringing in their ears.
But now, standing in the Liberty’s way is the Minnesota Lynx—a team that’s become somewhat of a headache for New York this year. The Lynx snatched the Commissioner’s Cup from the Liberty earlier this season. Yes, that’s right, the same Lynx team they’ll be battling in the Finals. The same team that sent the Liberty home with a consolation “almost-winners” medal in the Cup game. Can you blame Sabrina if she’s itching for a chance to rewrite the narrative?
Sabrina & Stewie: Liberty’s Dynamic Duo Looking to Seal the Deal
With a fire in their bellies (and maybe a chip or two on their shoulders), Sabrina and co-star Breanna Stewart, aka “Stewie,” are determined to prove that they’re not just contenders—they’re title takers. “That fire is burning bright in all of us,” Sabrina said. “If we do that and control what we can, we’re the best team in the league, and no one can beat us.” That’s right, no holding back. It’s a win-or-don’t-bother-coming-home vibe.
If the Lynx think they can rattle this team, they’d better think again. The Liberty are coming into the Finals with all guns blazing, ready to put last year’s ghosts to rest. And if you ask Ionescu, there’s no room for more heartbreak. The goal is simple: No more “good try” pats on the back, no more participation trophies, and definitely no more sad bus rides home.
Sabrina’s Shooting Clinic: Dropping Threes and Dimes
Oh, and let’s not forget: Sabrina’s not just talk. She’s been lighting up the scoreboard all postseason. A three-time All-Star, Ionescu is averaging a scorching 20.7 points per game, shooting nearly 49% from the field and a jaw-dropping 46.5% from deep. She’s practically setting nets on fire with those numbers. And she’s not just a sniper from beyond the arc—she’s also been grabbing 5.2 boards and dishing out 5.2 assists per game. Talk about a do-it-all guard.
The Lynx better be prepared, because when Sabrina gets going, it’s like watching a fireworks show—one that doesn’t fizzle out until the final buzzer. And with Stewie dominating the paint and their defense locking down opponents, the Liberty are primed to finally say goodbye to their status as the “always-the-bridesmaid-never-the-bride” team of the WNBA.
Prediction? Expect Fireworks, Drama, and Maybe a Few Technical Fouls
So buckle up, WNBA fans. With the Liberty fueled by last year’s heartbreak and armed with a vengeance streak that would make a comic book villain jealous, this Finals showdown is going to be anything but boring. Sabrina’s made it clear: They know what it takes to lose—now it’s time to find out what it takes to win.
And hey, if they pull it off, it’ll be a comeback story for the ages. If they don’t? Well, let’s not even entertain that thought, because Sabrina might actually explode. Cue the Liberty storm warning, because there’s a title up for grabs, and they’re not planning on leaving empty-handed again.
