New York Liberty Win WNBA Finals
The 2024 WNBA Finals was an unforgettable series, exceeding the high expectations that were set by fans and media. After both teams battled back and forth throughout the series, it came down to a dramatic winner-take-all overtime showdown in game five, where New York ultimately triumphed with a 67-62 victory, capturing their first-ever championship title.
The series started with a bang, as Minnesota took game one in overtime, escaping with a 95-93 victory over New York. Despite a strong fight from the Liberty, the Lynx ultimately proved too much. Guard Courtney Williams led the way offensively, scoring 23 points, while the reigning Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier added 21 points on 62% shooting, along with eight rebounds.
The Liberty then bounced back in a big way, claiming games two and three with standout performances, including an impressive 80-66 win in game two and a nail-biting 80-77 win in game three. New York’s Bianna Stewert made her mark, scoring 21 points in game two and 30 points in game three.
In what was an elimination game for Minnesota, the Lynx kept their championship hopes alive with a game-four victory, beating the Liberty by a score of 82-80. The Lynx played great team basketball, as all five starters scored at least 12 points.
It was only fitting that this series came down to a winner-take-all game five. After a hard-fought battle, which marked the first overtime period in a game five in WNBA history, the Liberty came out on top. Finals MVP Jonquel Jones led the charge with 17 points, while Nyara Sabally and Breanna Stewart each added 13 points, with Stewart’s late-game free throws proving pivotal to seal the win.
This historic series, watched by record audiences, showcased incredible basketball with both teams evenly matched. For Liberty’s franchise and its fans, the long-awaited championship represents a remarkable milestone within their franchise, honoring nearly 30 years of dedication and resilience.
