The New York Liberty has finally broken their long-standing curse and clinched their first-ever WNBA title. In an intense Game 5 that went into overtime, the Liberty triumphed over the Minnesota Lynx 67-62, bringing the championship to New York for the first time in the team’s 28-year history.
Led by Finals MVP Jonquel Jones, who scored 17 points, the Liberty’s victory marked a historic moment not just for the team but for their passionate fans who filled the arena. Jones‘ clutch performance, alongside contributions from Nyara Sabally and Breanna Stewart, propelled the Liberty to the top after years of near misses.
A tough start and a resilient comeback
The game didn’t begin in the Liberty’s favor, as Minnesota took control early, holding New York scoreless for the first five minutes. The Lynx built a 6-0 lead before Jonquel Jones found the basket, sparking some much-needed energy for the home team. Minnesota continued to dominate, with Napheesa Collier and Alana Smith leading the charge, ending the first quarter up 19-10.
Despite a shaky start, the Liberty found their rhythm in the second quarter, tightening their defense and limiting the Lynx to just 15 points. However, New York’s star players Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart struggled offensively in the first half, with Ionescu notably going scoreless at halftime.
A dramatic second half leads to overtime
The momentum shifted in the third quarter when Stewart stepped up defensively, blocking a critical shot by Collier, while Sabally scored to give the Liberty a narrow 40-38 lead. Despite Minnesota’s efforts, which included clutch free throws from Kayla McBride, New York managed to hold a slim 47-44 advantage entering the final quarter.
The tension was palpable throughout the fourth quarter. Both teams battled nerves, and scoring was scarce for the first four minutes. With just over five minutes left, Minnesota regained a 50-49 lead, but the Liberty quickly responded, with key plays from Stewart and a critical three-pointer from Ionescu. However, Collier’s late-game heroics tied the score 60-60, sending the game into the first overtime in WNBA Finals history.
Liberty shines in overtime to secure victory
The Liberty took charge in overtime, with Fiebich hitting a crucial three-pointer and Sabally adding another basket to push the score to 65-60. Despite a brief response from the Lynx, New York managed to maintain their composure. Collier’s foul in the final seconds sent Stewart to the free-throw line, where she confidently sank two shots, sealing the 67-62 victory and the championship.
Breanna Stewart’s resilience, combined with the team’s defensive grit, earned the Liberty their long-awaited title. The win ends a 28-year journey filled with heartbreak and close calls, making this championship moment all the more special. As the final buzzer sounded, fans erupted in celebration, knowing they had witnessed history.
The New York Liberty’s win is a testament to their perseverance and a promising sign for the future of the team, which now stands proudly as WNBA champions.
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