For WNBA, a Fitting End to a Breakout Season

New York Liberty wins championship in overtime
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Oct 21, 2024 5:29 AM CDT
For WNBA, a Fitting End to a Breakout Season
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu holds up the championship trophy after the Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx in Game 5 of the WNBA final series, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in New York.   (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

As confetti fell and Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" blared through the arena, the New York Liberty celebrated the end of a long odyssey. The team that always fell short, starting from their days in Madison Square Garden, finally found their way to the top, per the AP. Start spreading the news, indeed: There's finally a pro basketball champion in New York again after a 67-62 overtime win over Minnesota in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday night.

"I've been manifesting this moment for awhile—there's no feeling like it," star Breanna Stewart said. "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." Jonquel Jones scored 17 points to lead New York, which was one of the original franchises in the league. The Liberty made the WNBA Finals five times before, losing each one, including last season. This time they wouldn't be denied, although it took an extra five minutes.

This series has been a fitting conclusion to a record-breaking season for the league. All five games came down to the last few possessions and have included two overtime games and a last-second shot, which have led to record ratings. The first three games each had over a million viewers on average, with the audience growing for each contest. They also have had huge crowds in attendance. More details on the game itself here.

(More WNBA stories.)

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