The New York Liberty made history Sunday night, clinching their first-ever WNBA championship with a dramatic 67-62 overtime victory against the Minnesota Lynx in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals. After a 27-year journey marked by near-misses, the Liberty finally secured the title, sparking jubilant celebrations at Barclays Center as confetti rained down and fans sang along to “New York, New York.”
The Liberty, one of the league’s original franchises, had reached the Finals five times before without winning, including a loss just last season. But this year, they would not be denied. Key performances from Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart helped lead New York to a thrilling overtime win, finally delivering a pro basketball championship to the city.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” said Finals MVP Jonquel Jones, who scored 17 points. “After so many near misses, to do it here, in New York, it’s something I could only dream of.”
Both teams fought hard throughout the game, and the Liberty found themselves trailing by two points late in regulation. With just 5.2 seconds left, Stewart, a key offseason acquisition, calmly sank two free throws after being fouled, tying the game at 60 and sending it into overtime.
In the extra period, the Liberty’s role players stepped up when it mattered most. Leonie Fiebich opened OT with a crucial three-pointer, while Nyara Sabally followed up with a steal and a fast-break layup, sending the sellout crowd of 18,090 into a frenzy. New York’s defense suffocated the Lynx, who missed all six of their field goal attempts in overtime.
“Whoever scores first in overtime usually wins,” said Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello. “Our team came out strong and didn’t look back.”
For the Liberty, this championship marks the end of a long, frustrating journey. From their early years at Madison Square Garden to their detour through various venues, the team had always fallen short of the ultimate prize. This time, led by stars like Stewart and Jones, they rose to the occasion.
“This is for all the fans who have been with us since the beginning,” said Stewart, who added, “I’ve been manifesting this moment for a while. Bringing the championship to New York is a dream come true.”
Jonquel Jones, who had played in a Game 5 before while with the Connecticut Sun, brought her experience to the floor, earning Finals MVP honors. Her clutch play was complemented by Stewart’s resilience. Though Stewart struggled offensively, she made critical free throws to keep New York alive and eventually seal the win.
Minnesota, on the other hand, was led by Napheesa Collier, who scored 22 points but fouled out with just 13 seconds left in overtime. The Lynx were aiming for their fifth WNBA title, which would have set a new league record, but fell just short in a hard-fought series.
The WNBA Finals went the distance for the first time since 2019, and the series delivered one of the most thrilling championships in recent memory. The five-game showdown featured close contests, two overtime games, and even a last-second shot, captivating record audiences. The first three games averaged over a million viewers, reflecting the growing popularity of the league.
Among the sellout crowd was filmmaker and Liberty superfan Spike Lee, who was seen courtside sporting a Sabrina Ionescu jersey. “It’s been a long time coming,” said Lee, who had been a vocal supporter of the team throughout the playoffs.
Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve congratulated the Liberty after the game. “They’ve been at this for 28 years, and they earned it,” Reeve said. “We were so close to getting our fifth title, but it just wasn’t our night.”
The Lynx, who dominated the WNBA from 2011 to 2017 with stars like Lindsay Whalen and Maya Moore, were making their first Finals appearance since their last championship. Although they couldn’t add to their trophy case, the team’s performance throughout the season showed that they remain a formidable force in the league.
