For much of Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, it seemed as if the New York Liberty’s season review would include a quite painful “What went wrong?” section, as the Liberty, the No. 1 seed playing on their home court in the championship-deciding game, appeared headed toward another ignominious Finals ending, with Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu combining for a 5-for-34 stinker as New York’s Finals record fell to 0-6.
Fortunately for the Liberty faithful, first among them being Big Ellie, New York found a way to scratch out the win (although Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve may dispute that wording). Finals MVP Jonquel Jones was the difference maker. Nyara Sabally emerged as an unexpected hero. And Stewart made the foul shots that mattered the most.
It was ugly. But finally, it was theirs. One of the WNBA’s original eight captured the championship it long has craved.
That result demands a celebration of New York’s season, followed by a look ahead to their chances of repeating in 2025:
What went right for the Liberty?
Sab’s super season
Sabrina Ionescu’s Game 5 left a sour…
