The New York Liberty made history on Sunday night by winning their first-ever WNBA Championship, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 in a thrilling overtime battle. This long-awaited victory, secured in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, marked the culmination of a 28-year quest for the Liberty—one of the league’s original franchises—to finally secure the title, as reported by ESPN.
The tightly contested match saw standout performances from key players, including Jonquel Jones and Nyara Sabally. Jones was a force on both ends of the court, contributing crucial points and defense throughout the game. Sabally, the Oregon alum, was particularly impactful, scoring 13 points off the bench, including a critical layup in overtime that helped seal the win for New York.
The game was a nail-biter, with Minnesota taking the Liberty to the brink. After a dramatic fourth quarter, the teams were tied at 60, sending the game into overtime. Breanna Stewart, the two-time WNBA MVP, played a pivotal role in keeping New York alive, sinking crucial free throws to tie the game in the final seconds of regulation. In overtime, the Liberty outlasted the Lynx, with decisive defensive plays and clutch shooting.
This championship represents a significant turnaround for the Liberty, who just a few years ago were struggling at the bottom of the league standings. Under the leadership of coach Sandy Brondello and CEO Keia Clarke, along with the backing of new ownership, the team underwent a strategic rebuilding process that culminated in this victory.
“This moment means everything – not only to the Liberty organization, but to our fans and all of New York City,” Clarke said in a statement. “We would not be here without our fans whose passion has helped energize this team all season long. We take great pride in what we’ve built with our fans – something special that extends far beyond the basketball court – and this moment is just as much for them as it is for us.”
New York City, which had not celebrated a professional basketball championship since 1973, will commemorate the Liberty’s win with a ticker-tape parade in Manhattan on Thursday, allowing fans to share in the historic moment. This championship is a testament to the resilience of the team and its ability to deliver under pressure, securing their place in WNBA history.
