The New York Liberty made history by winning their first WNBA championship, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 in a thrilling overtime Game 5 on Sunday night. This victory marked the Liberty's first title in their 28-year history, sending the home crowd of 18,090 fans into celebration.
Jonquel Jones led New York with 17 points, stepping up as her teammates, Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, struggled offensively. Stewart and Ionescu shot just 5-of-34 from the field combined. Despite this, the Liberty became the first New York basketball team—men’s or women’s—to win a championship since the ABA’s Nets in 1976.
"I could never dream of this," said Jones, who was named Finals MVP after averaging 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds in the series. "I've been denied so many times. It was delayed, but I am so happy to win it here."
Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier led her team with 22 points but fouled out late in overtime, while Kayla McBride added 21 points for the Lynx. The Liberty overcame a 12-point deficit in the first half, taking their first lead in the third quarter. The game was tied at 60-60 at the end of regulation after Stewart sank two free throws with 5.2 seconds remaining. McBride missed a potential game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime.
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve criticized the foul call that sent the game to overtime, stating that the championship was "stolen" from Minnesota. "We know we could have done some things right, but you shouldn’t have to overcome to that extent," she said.
In overtime, Leonie Fiebich hit a crucial three-pointer, putting the Liberty ahead for good. Nyara Sabally added a steal and breakaway layup to extend the lead to 65-60, securing the win.
"It was ugly, but we found a way to win," said New York coach Sandy Brondello. Stewart, who played the entire game, contributed 13 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists, while Ionescu added five points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Sabally also chipped in with 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Liberty celebrated their historic win while the crowd cheered to the sounds of Frank Sinatra’s "New York, New York" and Jay-Z’s "Empire State of Mind."
"This moment has been a long time coming," said Stewart. "Bringing the first championship to New York is an incredible feeling. I can't wait to celebrate with the city."
The series, which was one of the most intense in WNBA history, saw two overtime games and multiple last-second finishes. Next year, the WNBA Finals will expand to a best-of-seven format, announced by commissioner Cathy Englebert before Game 1.
Minnesota, seeking a record fifth WNBA title, fell short but remains tied with the Seattle Storm and Houston Comets with four championships each. The Lynx last won in 2017, led by their core of Lindsay Whalen, Maya Moore, Seimone Augustus, and Rebekkah Brunson.
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