In a thrilling finale that culminated in overtime, the New York Liberty secured their first-ever WNBA championship by defeating the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Sunday. As the final seconds ticked away, Breanna Stewart embraced teammate Jonquel Jones amid a cascade of streamers, celebrating a moment that marked a significant milestone in New York basketball history.
The victory not only awarded the Liberty their inaugural title but also ended a lengthy championship drought for professional basketball in New York City. With this win, the Liberty become the first major pro basketball team in the area to capture a championship since the New York Nets won the last title of the American Basketball Association in 1976. The New York Knicks have not claimed an NBA championship since 1973, making this win particularly poignant for fans starved for a local title.
“It’s an incredible feeling to bring a championship to New York, the first in franchise history,” said Stewart, a native of North Syracuse, NY. “I can’t wait to celebrate with the city; it’s going to be unforgettable.”
The Liberty’s triumph came after a quarter-century of striving, including five previous finals appearances, all of which ended in defeat. With their current home at Barclays Center, the team will finally hang a championship banner, and city landmarks will illuminate in their signature Liberty “sea foam” color. Mayor Eric Adams has also promised a celebratory parade.
The game itself was not without its controversies. With just 5.2 seconds left in regulation, the referees awarded Stewart two free throws after a contentious foul call on Minnesota’s Alanna Smith. Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve expressed her frustration over the officiating, stating, “This was stolen from us,” but ultimately, Stewart kept her composure, sinking both free throws to send the game into overtime.
During the overtime period, the Liberty took control, aided by a strong defense and the electrifying energy of their home crowd. Fans erupted in jubilation as the final buzzer sounded, with many celebrating in the arena and on the streets, chanting, “Basketball is back in New York, baby.”
Long-time Liberty fan Myrna Morales-Fraser, a season-ticket holder since 1990, reflected on the long-awaited victory: “We’ve been waiting so long, and it feels so good. I can’t believe we won.”
The Liberty marked their journey to this championship with key roster changes and strategic hires. After drafting Sabrina Ionescu in 2020, the team struggled initially, winning just two of 22 games that year. However, the hiring of head coach Sandy Brondello and the addition of champions like Stewart revitalized the franchise. Stewart, a two-time MVP and three-time champion with the Seattle Storm, has proven instrumental in transforming the Liberty into a championship contender.
“This title is personal for me,” Stewart noted. “I came here for a reason, and it feels different this time.”
The Liberty’s win is a testament to their resilience and determination, showcasing the power of teamwork and perseverance. With this championship, they have not only etched their names in history but have also reignited the passion for basketball in New York City, fulfilling a dream long awaited by fans and players alike.
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