The New York Liberty won their first title in franchise history, but not without controversy. In the final seconds of the fourth quarter of Game 5, a foul was called on Lynx forward Alanna Smith. The officials believed that Smith fouled Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, resulting in the two-time MVP going to the line and forcing the game into overtime. The Lynx would challenge the foul, but were not successful. Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve believes that her team’s championship “stolen” from them.
In overtime, Minnesota failed to regain momentum and only scored two points from Lynx guard Kayla McBride at the line. After five points from Lionie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally, overtime ended how the eventful end of regulation ended. Breanna Stewart sealed the victory at the free throw line and the Liberty won the WNBA Finals, 67-62.
New York forward Jonquel Jones took home Finals MVP. The Bahamian from Freeport had 17 points and six rebounds in the game; averaging 17.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists throughout the series. “None of this happens without my teammates and without the people that have poured into me”, Jones humbly said as the crowd shouted ‘MVP’ through the Barclays Center in the heart of Brooklyn, New York.
New York guard Sabrina Ionescu facilitated the ball with eight assists, despite an not so ideal shooting performance. “[I] just did whatever it took to win. [I] believed in my teammates, believed in this entire organization. It takes everyone; you don’t do this alone”, Ionescu said after the game.
This is the first basketball championship in New York since the Knicks won in 1973. As the New York City skyline glows in seafoam green, the locals feel that basketball is back.