What an epic way to start the WNBA's landmark 25th season.
New York Liberty young star Sabrina Ionescu knocked down a game-winning 3, leaving only 0.4 seconds on the game clock.
The shot gave the Liberty a 90-87 victory over the Indiana Fever in the first of four opening-night games.
Welcome back Sabrina. #CountIt@sabrina_i20 hits the game-winner in her first game back with the @nyliberty! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/7hhTV7jRa3
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 15, 2021
Playing a game-high 37 minutes, Ionescu was the game's biggest contributor with 25 points, 11 assists and six rebounds.
Her shot comes on a night when the members of the 2020 Hall of Fame class, which includes the late great Kobe Bryant, completed their media availabilities.
Kobe was a mentor to Sabrina and she wore his latest Nike sneakers, announced to celebrate his Hall of Fame induction, in this game.
.@Sabrina_i20 called game wearing the Undefeated x Nike Kobe 5 pic.twitter.com/sFmx6IQZpD
— B/R Kicks (@brkicks) May 15, 2021
MORE: Key Dates from WNBA's 25th anniversary season
Here's a great photo from the other side of the court as the No. 1 overall pick of the 2020 WNBA Draft drained the game-winning shot:
The Liberty and Ionescu will hope this play is a sign of things to come as they look to bounce back from a 2020 season in the bubble that saw the 23-year-old's season cut short after three games with a Grade 3 ankle sprain.
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