New York Liberty Win First WNBA Championship in Overtime Victory Against Minnesota Lynx
The New York Liberty made history Sunday, winning their first-ever WNBA championship with a 67-62 overtime victory over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 5 of the Finals. The hard-fought win came after years of heartbreak, as the Liberty finally captured the title after five previous failed attempts in the championship round.
Liberty Overcome Early Deficit in Championship Comeback
The Liberty entered the series as the only original WNBA franchise without a title. After falling short last season against the Las Vegas Aces, New York came into these Finals determined to end the drought. Game 5 tested their resolve, with the Lynx jumping to an early nine-point lead at the end of the first quarter and maintaining a seven-point advantage at halftime.
However, the Liberty stormed back in the third quarter, outscoring the Lynx 20-10 to erase the deficit. The game remained tight in the fourth quarter, with both teams trading baskets in the closing minutes. New York’s Breanna Stewart tied the game with two clutch free throws with five seconds remaining, sending it to overtime after Minnesota failed to convert on its final possession in regulation.
Overtime Heroics Secure Liberty’s First Title
In overtime, the Liberty outscored Minnesota 7-2, sealing the championship with critical defense and free throws. The victory wasn’t without controversy, as a key blocking foul that sent Stewart to the line late in the fourth quarter was upheld upon review. New York’s aggressive play was reflected in the free-throw disparity, as the Liberty shot 25 free throws compared to just eight for the Lynx.
While stars like Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu struggled offensively, role players stepped up when it mattered most. Jonquel Jones led the way with 17 points and six rebounds, while Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally each contributed 13 points. Jones, who averaged 17.8 points throughout the series, was named Finals MVP for her dominant performance in the paint.
Stars Struggle but Jones Shines in the Clutch
Stewart finished the game with 13 points on 4-of-15 shooting, a difficult night reminiscent of last year's finals when she shot 3-of-17 in the decisive game against the Aces. Ionescu, known for her postseason heroics, struggled as well, scoring only five points on 1-of-19 shooting in Game 5. Despite these challenges, Jones’s steady play helped the Liberty power through to victory.
Liberty’s Road to the Championship
The series was filled with twists and turns. Minnesota stunned the Liberty with a 95-93 overtime win in Game 1, as Stewart missed critical free throws and a potential game-tying layup. New York bounced back in Game 2 with a convincing 80-66 win, evening the series.
Game 3 saw Ionescu hit a clutch 3-pointer in the final moments to secure a 2-1 series lead for New York. The Lynx responded with an 82-80 thriller in Game 4 to force the decisive fifth game.
Minnesota’s star forward, Napheesa Collier, who won WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, led the Lynx with 22 points and seven rebounds in Game 5. However, she fouled out with 13 seconds remaining in overtime, leaving the Lynx without their best player down the stretch.
A Historic Victory for New York
The Liberty’s first WNBA championship marks a new chapter in the team’s history. After years of near misses and heartbreak, New York fans can finally celebrate their team at the top of the league. Jonquel Jones’s MVP performance and the resilience shown throughout the series cement the Liberty as champions and close out one of the most exciting Finals in recent memory.
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