Liberty Triumph in OT Thriller, Clinch First WNBA Title
The New York Liberty, a team that played in the first WNBA game ever, has finally won the last game of the season, capturing their first championship in franchise history. After over 27 years of close calls and heartache, the Liberty pulled off a 67-62 overtime victory against the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday to secure the 2024 WNBA title.
Breanna Stewart’s Clutch Free Throws Seal the Win
Breanna Stewart, always reliable in the clutch, sank two critical free throws with just 10.1 seconds left in overtime to seal the deal. Leonie Fiebich’s pivotal steal allowed the Liberty to run out the clock, ensuring a hard-fought, unforgettable victory at Barclays Center.
A Thrilling Finals Series Filled with Momentum Shifts
This best-of-five Finals series, marked by dramatic swings and nail-biting moments, reached its crescendo in Game 5. After the Lynx narrowly won Game 4 with last-second free throws, all eyes were on New York to see if they could overcome yet another challenge. In front of a roaring home crowd, the Liberty battled back from a seven-point halftime deficit to take a narrow 47-44 lead going into the final quarter. But as fate would have it, the contest needed overtime to decide it all.
Stewart’s Heroics Send the Game to Overtime
In regulation’s dying moments, with the Liberty trailing 60-58, Stewart was fouled by Alanna Smith, leading to a tense moment as the Lynx challenged the call. The challenge was unsuccessful, and Stewart coolly drained both free throws to tie the game. With 6.3 seconds left, Minnesota had one last chance, but Kayla McBride’s three-pointer missed the mark, sending the game into overtime.
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Fiebich and Sabally Shine in Overtime
In the extra period, the Liberty found key contributions from unlikely sources. Fiebich, Nyara Sabally, and Stewart each chipped in, with Sabally posting her best game yet, finishing with 13 points and seven rebounds. Her Olympic teammate, Fiebich, matched her effort, also recording 13 points and seven boards. Despite shooting just 30.6% from the field, the Liberty’s resilience shone through.
Ionescu’s Struggles Couldn’t Dim Her Impact
Sabrina Ionescu, who struggled mightily from the floor (1-of-19 shooting), still managed to make an impact with eight assists and seven rebounds. Even on an off-night, her leadership and presence were evident, reminding everyone why she’s a cornerstone of this team.
Jonquel Jones Named Finals MVP
Jonquel Jones, who led New York with 17 points, was named Finals MVP. This moment was particularly sweet for Jones, who had previously come up short in the Finals twice, once with Connecticut and once with New York last year. “I’ve been denied so many times, but this was delayed, not denied,” Jones said, beaming after the victory.
A Championship Close to Home for Stewart
For Stewart, a New York native, this championship carries even more weight. The team’s biggest free-agent signing, Stewart recalled watching Liberty games as a kid and dreaming of this moment. “I’ve been manifesting this for a while,” she said. “To bring a championship to New York, it’s a dream come true. It’s going to be bonkers celebrating with this city.
A City Finally Gets a Basketball Champion After 50 Years
New York’s basketball crown has been barren since the Knicks last won an NBA title in 1973. The Liberty’s triumph brings a long-overdue victory to a city that’s been hungry for a basketball champion. For 35-year-old guard Courtney Vandersloot, who wasn’t even born the last time New York had a pro basketball title, this win represents a culmination of hard work, determination, and a desire to make history.
Liberty Overcome Years of Finals Heartbreak
After five prior trips to the Finals, the Liberty can now hang a championship banner alongside their iconic torch logo. This victory also serves as redemption for last year’s disappointing loss to the Las Vegas Aces in the Finals. The lessons learned from that experience shaped the team’s resolve, driving them to finish as the No. 1 seed this season with a league-best 32-8 record.
A Tough Road to the Championship
The road to this championship wasn’t easy. The Liberty had to get past the Atlanta Dream, exorcise their demons against the Aces, and then battle a tough Minnesota team. The series’ emotional highs and lows culminated in an overtime Game 5 for the ages.
Stewart, Jones, and Ionescu Led the Charge
Stewart, Jones, and Ionescu carried the Liberty all season, and their efforts finally paid off. Ionescu’s heroic 28-foot three-pointer in Game 3 will forever be etched into Liberty lore, surpassing even Teresa Weatherspoon’s iconic half-court heave in the 1999 Finals. Although Ionescu struggled offensively in Game 5, her leadership and perseverance were indispensable.
Stewart’s Decision to Join Liberty Paid Off
For Stewart, her decision to leave Seattle in 2023 to join the Liberty was met with uncertainty. “I had a moment of doubt,” she admitted, “leaving my safe space in Seattle, but I’m back where I’m rooted, and it feels like home.
Liberty’s Victory Marks the Beginning of a New Era
Now, that home has a new decoration: a long-awaited championship banner. The Liberty’s victory is not just a culmination of years of effort, but a symbol of what’s to come in a bright future for New York basketball.