In a pulsating overtime finish, the New York Liberty clinched their first WNBA championship, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 67-62. After five previous failed attempts at the Finals, this time the Liberty refused to be denied. Jonquel Jones, the team’s anchor, led the charge with 17 points, securing MVP honors for her stellar performance. The triumph was a hard-fought battle, marked by resilience and determination, as key players like Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu struggled offensively, but their teammates rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
The overtime period began with a spark from Leonie Fiebich, whose three-pointer ignited the home crowd. Nyara Sabally followed with a crucial steal and layup, pushing the Liberty’s lead to 65-60. New York’s defense held Minnesota scoreless from the field in overtime, with Kayla McBride’s two free throws being the Lynx’s only points. The tension reached its peak when Minnesota had one last chance to tie the game, but Bridget Carleton’s three-point attempt missed the mark, sealing the Liberty’s historic win.
Stewart, who had missed a critical free throw in regulation of Game 1, found redemption in overtime. Her two clutch free throws with 10.1 seconds left extended New York’s lead and brought the championship within reach. The final buzzer triggered an emotional celebration, as streamers fell from the rafters and players embraced on the court, marking the culmination of years of effort and near-misses.
The Lynx, aiming for a record-breaking fifth WNBA title, fell just short despite a valiant effort. Napheesa Collier led Minnesota with 22 points, but fouled out in overtime, leaving the Lynx without their star player in the closing moments. McBride, who finished with 21 points, had an opportunity to win the game for Minnesota in regulation, but her three-pointer missed at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime.
This victory marked the end of a historic season for the Liberty, who rebuilt their roster around free agent acquisitions Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones just two years ago. Their impact has been undeniable, with both players making crucial contributions throughout the season and in this series. For Jones, the MVP award was a moment of vindication after several heartbreaking near-championships in her career. “I could never dream of this,” Jones said after the game. “You know how many times I’ve been denied. It was delayed. I am so happy to do it here.”
The series was a fitting conclusion to a record-breaking season for the WNBA, with every game in the Finals coming down to the last few possessions. New York’s title, 28 years in the making, represents not just a crowning achievement for the franchise but a new chapter for a team that has often been close to greatness but never quite able to reach it. Now, they stand at the pinnacle of the league, their place in history secured.
