WNBA Finals 2024: New York Liberty beat Minnesota Lynx in OT to win first championship
Jonquel Jones leads the Liberty with 17 points in decisive 67-62 Game 5 victory and is named Finals MVP as New York ends its 28-year drought.
Basketball
The New York Liberty won their first WNBA championship after edging the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 in overtime in Game 5 on Sunday (20 October).
Jonquel Jones led the Liberty with 17 points and was named WNBA Finals MVP. Brenna Stewart, who had 13 points and a game-high 15 rebounds, hit a couple of free throws with 10.1 second left in overtime to seal the win.
“I’ve been manifesting this moment for awhile, There’s no feeling like it,” Stewart said. “The fans have been amazing everywhere we’ve gone. To bring a championship to New York, first ever in franchise history it’s an incredible feeling.
“I can’t wait to continue to celebrate with the city. It’s going to be bonkers.”
One of the league’s founding eight teams, New York had made the Finals five times before including last season but had not been able to capitalise.
Napheesa Collier scored 22 points to pace the Lynx, who just missed out on what would have been a record fifth title.
With another sellout crowd at the Barclays, the series set an overall attendance record for the league which has never been more popular. From next season, the Finals will adopt a best-of-seven format.