Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese praised Sabrina Ionescu’s late-game heroics, which propelled the New York Liberty to a 2-1 lead over the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals.

Reese went on social media to acknowledge Ionescu’s 28-foot dagger that sealed the victory in Game 3 during its final seconds.

Before Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, the Liberty star made a subtle but powerful statement with a gold Geppetto necklace tucked under her uniform.

When asked about the jewelry, she told casual basketball watchers: “If you know, you know.”

For those in the know, the necklace was more than just jewelry – it symbolized her Mamba Mentality and a nod to her close relationship with the late Kobe Bryant.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend called her “Geppetto” for her ability to control the game on a string like the Disney puppet maker, her relentless work ethic, and her mental toughness.

Ionescu embodied that mentality on the court, stepping up in the clutch and sinking a game-winning shot that put the Liberty just one win away from their first-ever WNBA championship.

With just 2.1 seconds left in regulation, she comfortably stepped into a 28-foot jumper to force the Minnesota Lynx to take a timeout before ultimately losing the game.

Reese went on X right after the shot happened and was reduced to saying: “Sheeshhhhhhhh #WNBAFinals” – in awe of the shot like many other spectators.

The comment section was full of support for Ionescu, minus a few New York basketball fans pleading their face for Reese to one day join the Liberty.

Four-time NBA scoring king and two-time champion Kevin Durant also tweeted about the shot and tagged Ionescu with the message: “Cold blooded killer.”

The Liberty displayed their relentless hunger, holding the Lynx to just six points in the final six minutes.

Their smothering defense and Ionescu’s late-game takeover fueled a 15-point comeback, marking the third-largest in WNBA Finals history.

Breanna Stewart won the team with 30 points, four blocks, and 11 rebounds. “I didn’t realize how far out I was,” said Sabrina to the press after making the shot.

With the Liberty just one win away from their first championship, the late-game shot has already become a defining moment of the series.

In Game 1, she shot 33 percent from three, making 3 of 9 attempts in the Liberty’s overtime loss. Ionescu improved her efficiency in Game 2, hitting 40 percent of her three-pointers, contributing to New York’s dominant 80-66 win.

New York’s victory coincided with the same day many WNBA fans voiced frustration over Ionescu’s snub from the All-WNBA First Team honors. Despite an impressive individual season and the league’s best regular-season record, Ionescu earned a spot on the Second Team.

The First Team featured Napheesa Collier, A’ja Wilson, Stewart, Alyssa Thomas, and WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark. Ionescu shared Second Team honors with Kahleah Copper, Nneka Ogwumike, Arike Ogunbowale, and Liberty teammate Jonquel Jones.