BACKLiberty at Last! New York Tames Lynx to Win First Championship
Written by: Isaiah Lucas
One of the most exciting seasons in WNBA history fittingly featured a thrilling conclusion. The New York Liberty came out victorious, 67-62, in an overtime thriller against the Minnesota Lynx to seal the deal and win the Finals.
It marked the first title for one of the WNBA’s original franchises, cemented the legacy of Breanna Stewart as one of the greatest women’s basketball players ever, and meant the Game 3 heroics from Sabrina Ionescu didn’t go to waste.
This postseason was one for the ages, with close games and major comebacks galore. The Finals featured three games decided by one possession and two overtime tilts. Sunday night’s decider was the first Game 5 in Finals history to reach OT.
Game 1 also needed an extra period to decide things, with Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier hitting the game-winner. Game 2 was the only relatively comfortable win of the series, as New York evened things with an 80-66 victory.
Ionescu hit the shot of the season to win Game 3, 80-77, and give the Liberty control of the series before Minnesota snatched the momentum back with a win on its home court two nights later.
In the title-clinching Game 5 win, Jonquel Jones stepped up in a major way, leading the team with 17 points while also pulling down six boards. It was another outstanding showing for the center, who earned Finals MVP honors after averaging 17.8 points and 7.6 boards on 56.1 percent shooting.
Nyara Sabally also came up clutch with 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench, contributing one block and one steal during the overtime period.
While Collier ended on the losing side, her dominant performance throughout the postseason was something to behold. She left it all on the court Sunday, finishing with 22 points plus seven boards. Minnesota teammates Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride and Alanna Smith also deserve shouts for their incredible work throughout the playoffs.
It was a moment of justice for the Liberty after falling to the Aces in last year’s championship round. After a well-earned celebration, it’ll be time to prepare for the title defense.
