The franchise that won the first game in WNBA history finally has won the last game of the season. More than 27 years after playing for league's inaugural championship and following several near misses, the New York Liberty are WNBA champions following a 67-62 overtime victory Sunday over the Minnesota Lynx.
Breanna Stewart sealed the win with two free throws with 10.1 seconds left in the extra period. After Leonie Fiebich stole a pass, the Liberty dribbled out the clock on a victory that was as hard-fought and dramatic as any in a Game 5 of the WNBA Finals.
The Liberty prevailed 3-2 in a series marked by huge shots and big momentum shifts in the first three games. Little separated the teams in Game 4, which the Lynx won on two free throws with two seconds left.
In Game 5, before a packed house at Barclays Center, the Liberty battled back from a seven-point halftime deficit to take a 47-44 lead heading into the fourth quarter. So many years of waiting would come down to 10 minutes.
Or so it appeared.
Instead, these teams -- which faced off nine times during the season, including the Commissioner's Cup final that the Lynx claimed in June -- worked into overtime. With 6.3 seconds left in regulation, the Liberty had the ball, trailing 60-58. Stewart was fouled by Alanna Smith, a call the Lynx challenged. After the challenge was ruled unsuccessful, Stewart hit both free throws to tie the game at 60-60. Kayla McBride missed a 3-pointer for Minnesota, and the game went to overtime.
In the extra period, the Liberty's points came from Fiebich, Nyara Sabally and Stewart. Sabally had her biggest game yet as a Liberty player, with 13 points and seven rebounds. Fiebich, Sabally's German national team teammate in the Olympics, also had 13 points and seven rebounds.
The Liberty won despite shooting just 30.6% from the field. Sabrina Ionescu made just 1 of 19 shots from the field, finishing with five points. Despite those struggles, she had eight assists and seven rebounds.
The Liberty's Triumphant Journey
The Liberty's journey to the championship was a testament to their resilience and determination. The team, led by the trio of Stewart, Jones, and Ionescu, had to overcome numerous obstacles throughout the season and playoffs. They faced a gut-punch loss in Game 1 of the Finals in Brooklyn, where they led by as much as 18 points and by 15 with just over five minutes left before falling 95-93 in overtime. The Liberty knew they couldn't afford to wallow in that missed chance; they won Game 2 at home 80-66.
Game 3 and its fantastic finish will go down as an epic tale in Liberty lore, which has included many highs that were overshadowed by disappointments. Game 4's loss added more drama to what many might consider the most competitive WNBA Finals ever. And Game 5 was a catharsis for the Liberty and their longtime fans.
Key Players in the Championship Victory
The Liberty's success was a team effort, but some players stood out during the Finals. Jonquel Jones, the Finals MVP, was a force on both ends of the court, leading New York with 17 points in Game 5. Jones, who was +1000 to win MVP at the start of the series, tied Diana Taurasi for the third-most points even in a Finals with 320.
Stewart, while not having her best game offensively in Game 5, was strong on defense and had 15 rebounds. She played a pivotal role in securing the win, especially her clutch free throws in overtime.
Despite Ionescu's shooting struggles in Game 5, her leadership and playmaking ability were evident. She had eight assists and seven rebounds, demonstrating her impact beyond scoring.
A New Era for the Liberty
The Liberty's championship victory marks a new era for the franchise. The team, which has been a force in the WNBA for years, has finally reached the pinnacle. Their iconic torch logo, which has represented their passion and dedication, now also symbolizes their achievement.
The Liberty gave the Big Apple its first professional basketball championship since 1973. That's when the New York Knicks won the NBA title, which came 16 years before the oldest player on the Liberty roster, 35-year-old guard Courtney Vandersloot, was born. A city that loves hoops and winners gets to combine both again.
A Moment of Triumph for the City of New York
The Liberty's victory is not just a victory for the team, but also for the city of New York. It's a moment of pride for the city, which has a long history of basketball excellence. The championship is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team, their coaches, and their fans. It's a moment that will be remembered for years to come.
The Liberty's victory is a symbol of hope and inspiration for the city of New York. It shows that anything is possible if you work hard and never give up. As confetti fell and Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” blared through the arena, the New York Liberty celebrated the end of a 27-year odyssey. The team that always fell short, starting from their days in Madison Square Garden, through detours to Radio City Music Hall and Westchester County Center, finally found their way to the top.
