New York Liberty Win First WNBA Championship in Franchise History
In a thrilling five-game series, the New York Liberty have emerged as the 2023 WNBA champions, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 in overtime. This marks the first championship in franchise history, capping off an incredible season that saw the team finish with a league-best 32-8 record.
A Long Time Coming
The Liberty’s journey to the top has been a long and winding one. After winning the first game in WNBA history in 1997, the team experienced several near-misses, including a heartbreaking loss in the 1999 Finals. However, this year’s squad was determined to bring home the title, led by stars Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu.
Game 5 Thriller
The decisive Game 5 was a nail-biter from start to finish. The Liberty trailed by seven points at halftime but battled back to take a 47-44 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The game went into overtime, where the Liberty’s defense shone, holding the Lynx to just two points. Stewart sealed the win with two free throws with 10.1 seconds left, sending the sold-out crowd at Barclays Center into raptures.
Stewart’s Homecoming
For Stewart, the championship is extra special. A native New Yorker, she joined the Liberty in 2023 as the biggest free agent signing in WNBA history. “When I left Seattle, I kind of started a new chapter,” Stewart said. “And to be able to do it here, in my hometown, is just incredible.”
Jones Named Finals MVP
Jonquel Jones was named Finals MVP after leading the Liberty with 17 points in Game 5. “I could never dream of this,” Jones said. “You know how many times I’ve been denied. It was delayed. I am so happy to do it here.”
A City Celebrates
The championship marks the first professional basketball title for New York City since the Knicks won the NBA title in 1973. The Liberty’s victory parade will be a celebration of the team’s perseverance and dedication to bringing a championship to the Big Apple.
A Bright Future
The Liberty’s championship win is a testament to the team’s growth and development over the past few years. With a strong core of players and a commitment to excellence, the future looks bright for the New York Liberty. As Ionescu said, “To just be able to see what we’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time is crazy to think of.”
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