MINNEAPOLIS — Are these WNBA Finals becoming more thrilling?

Each game has had its share of drama, with at least one team falling behind by 15 points only to rally back to challenge for victory.

In Game 1, Minnesota trailed by 18 points yet managed to win in overtime. In Game 2, the Lynx came back from a 17-point deficit but only made a push in the final quarter. Last night at Target Center, the New York Liberty found themselves down by 15 but made an impressive comeback for an 80-77 victory, powered by two crucial three-pointers from Sabrina Ionescu.

With this win, New York leads the series 2-1, just one victory away from claiming the franchise’s first title.

Game 4 is scheduled for Friday at Target Center, and we’re anticipating more excitement. For now, let’s highlight the winners and losers from Game 3.

WINNERS

Minneapolis

After a disappointing turnout of just 8,769 during Game 5 of the semifinals, Target Center was packed for Game 3, with an attendance record of 19,521.

Throughout the city, support for the Lynx was palpable. Billboards celebrated the team, fans donned jerseys for No. 24 Napheesa Collier, and restaurants were buzzing with patrons eager to catch the game. In a city that has seen the Lynx secure four championships, everyone was aware that game day had arrived.

Sabrina Ionescu and Kayla McBride

On the day of the All-WNBA teams announcement, there were noticeable omissions. New York guard Sabrina Ionescu, who ended up hitting the game-winning shot, was surprisingly placed on the second team.

Also absent from the teams was Minnesota’s Kayla McBride, whose impactful performance has been crucial for the Lynx in the Finals. In response to her snub, she scored 19 points on Wednesday, making 5 of 9 attempts from beyond the arc.

Leonie Fiebich

The rookie star from Germany shone in Game 3, contributing 13 points and four rebounds to New York’s win. She got off to a strong start, scoring with a floater and a three-pointer that gave the Liberty an early lead while using her reach effectively to protect the basket.

Despite taking a hard hit from a screen and briefly going down, she returned to finish the game. Fiebich has proven to be one of New York’s toughest competitors, ready to bring physicality and her impressive wingspan to challenge opponents. If New York clinches the series, Fiebich will be key player.

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LOSERS

Napheesa Collier

The highly regarded player endured a challenging Game 3. Collier managed to score 22 points but did so on 22 shots, and she missed her last three attempts in the closing minutes of the game.

Collier has accumulated 249 points over 10 games this postseason, breaking the WNBA record for a single playoff season. She surpassed Diana Taurasi, who scored 245 while leading the Phoenix Mercury to the championship in 2009.

While her remarkable performance throughout the playoffs deserves recognition, the loss has taken attention away from her achievements.

Fans wanting Breanna Stewart with a microphone

In high-stakes games, it’s common practice for star athletes to wear microphones for behind-the-scenes insights during broadcasts.

However, there’s a reason why Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, recognized as one of the premier players globally, usually doesn’t wear one. During the third quarter, she was filmed expressing intense motivation to her teammates, stating, “We are not (expletive) losing this game!”

In a post-game interview, Stewart, who scored 22 of her 30 points in the second half, remarked, “That’s why I can’t be mic’d up.”