New York Liberty pushed to overtime but win the franchise's first WNBA title

New York Liberty Crowned 2024 WNBA Champions After Thrilling Finals

The 2024 WNBA Finals concluded in spectacular fashion, marking the most dramatic championship series in league history, complete with an overtime showdown in the decisive Game 5. This season saw significant transformations within the WNBA, but the concluding games of the Finals were deeply connected to the events of the previous season, where the New York Liberty narrowly missed their opportunity, finishing 0-5 in Finals history. Having tasted that disappointment, the Liberty entered this season determined to not repeat the past.

They accomplished their goal, earning the No. 1 seed, allowing them to host a crucial deciding game in front of their passionate home crowd. That game necessitated overtime, saw key players rise to the occasion with the best performances of their careers, faced a controversial call, and witnessed a former MVP stepping up to lead the team. Ultimately, the New York Liberty have emerged as the 2024 WNBA champions.

“NEW YORK OR NOWHERE” – Sabrina Ionescu

The New York Liberty have secured their first championship in franchise history. 🏆 #WNBAFinals

In an exhilarating Game 5, the Liberty triumphed over a formidable opponent in Napheesa Collier and a determined Minnesota Lynx team, scoring 67-62 in overtime mwgaming888 register. Throughout the final games, Minnesota’s defense focused heavily on Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, who combined for a dismal shooting performance of only 5-of-34 in Game 5, forcing others to step up. Jonquel Jones answered the call, showcasing her elite skills with 17 points and six rebounds . She also delivered a standout Game 1 performance, amassing a team-high 24 points with 10 rebounds. With the stakes high in Game 5, Jones carried the team and was deserving of the Finals MVP award.

Your 2024 #WNBAFinals MVP, @jus242 🏆

While Jones’s contribution was critical, it was Collier who shone brightest on the court in Game 5, scoring 22 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and making essential defensive plays throughout the match. Collier finished the playoffs as a leader in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks winph log in. She nearly guided the Lynx to victory in Game 5, culminating in a thrilling finish that exemplified the intensity of the series. With just 1:35 left in the fourth quarter, Collier tied the game with a layup, then followed up with a driving reverse layup to provide Minnesota a brief lead.

NAPHEESA COLLIER PUTS THE LYNX BACK ON TOP WITH 1:04 ON THE CLOCK 🚨ESPN 📺 | #WNBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV

On New York’s next possession, Stewart was fouled and given the chance to tie from the free-throw line, but surprisingly missed both attempts. Luckily for the Liberty, the second miss was recovered, affording them another shot, though Ionescu failed to capitalize with a missed 3-pointer (she finished the night with only 1-of-10 from beyond the arc). The Liberty regained possession after a questionable jump ball by the Lynx but missed another 3-point attempt. This set the stage for a final-minute frenzy where the Lynx had a chance to extend their lead, but Collier missed a layup, providing the Liberty one last opportunity down two points with only 6.3 seconds left.

Stewart, eager for redemption, received the inbounds pass, drove the lane, and was awarded two free throws after a contentious call on Alanna Smith, which Minnesota contested. After review, officials concluded that Smith was “not in a legal guarding position,” allowing Stewart to tie the game with successful free throws. Minnesota still had 5 tarlac nueva ecija.2 seconds on the clock, but Kayla McBride’s attempt at a game-winning 3-pointer fell short, sending the game into overtime.

During the extra period, the Liberty capitalized on opportunities and minimized mistakes, highlighted by Nyara Sabally’s pivotal steal and score.

Nyara Sabally with the STEAL & SCORE 🚨Liberty up by 5 in Game 5 OT on ESPN! #WNBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV

Sabally proved crucial for New York, coming off the bench to contribute 13 points and seven rebounds. Beyond her impressive statistics, her presence disrupted the Lynx’s defensive strategy, particularly in pick-and-roll scenarios involving Ionescu. As a result, Sabally’s impact was significant in allowing New York to seize control of the game. The Liberty made the most of this newfound momentum and, for the first time in franchise history, they are now WNBA champions kenneth egano fight.

What does this incredible win mean for the future of the New York Liberty?