NEW YORK — At long last, the New York Liberty are WNBA champions.
Sunday’s Game 5 between the Liberty and Minnesota Lynx was far from New York’s most aesthetically pleasing game of the season, but style points aren’t awarded in winner-take-all affairs. Instead, the only number that matters is the final margin — a 67-62 Liberty overtime win — in crowning a champion.
“One more (point) than the other team,” star New York guard Sabrina Ionescu said of what stat would be most important Sunday.
Jonquel Jones led the Liberty with 17 points en route to being crowned the finals MVP. Breanna Stewart added 13 points and 15 rebounds in a grinding affair and reserve center Nyara Sabally provided the most unexpected but necessary boost of all, playing a playoff career-high 17 minutes, scoring 13 points and hauling in seven rebounds.
With it all coming together just enough, New York took home its first-ever title, having lost its five prior appearances in the WNBA Finals.
CHILLS… 🗽
NEW YORK LIBERTY SECURES THE TITLE IN BROOKLYN! #WNBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/aOJ4ilOSvc
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 21, 2024
The Liberty’s first 20 minutes were one of their worst halves of the season. Their 10 first-quarter points were their lowest output in any opening…
