New York Liberty take Women’s National Basketball Association Finals in Game 5

On October 20th, 2024 the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) had their Game 5 of the Best of 5 series final. The series saw the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx dueling it out for the championship title.

The Liberty were searching for their first championship in franchise history, while the Lynx were looking to secure their fifth WNBA title which would also be a new record.

The series was intense and competitive. Game 1 went to the Lynx, in overtime, ending with a turnaround fadeaway by Napheesa Collier to win the game 95-93. The Liberty did not take so kindly to a loss on their home court and won Game 2 in regular time, 80-66. 

Game 3 is hosted in Minnesota and the Liberty capitalize on their momentum to win again and share the grief of a home-court loss with the Lynx. Sabrina Ionescu secured the win for the Liberty with a 28’ step-back jump shot to end the game 80-77. If the Liberty were able to win Game 4, they would seal the championship.

However, this was not how the finals would be playing out. The Lynx would push this to Game 5 if needed. A tight game sees the Lynx squeak out a win 82-80, with Bridget Carleton sinking two free throws to give them the lead. It would be back to New York for the final game of the series. 

Back in New York, the Liberty would fight through overtime to secure their win. The Lynx knew they had a few goals to accomplish during Game 5. They had to score big in the first half.

They had to make their threes and keep technical fouls to a minimum. Unfortunately, the plan did not go as they had planned. They would commit several fouls, which ultimately were game-changers for the final game of the series.

While the Lynx outscored in Q1, the Liberty dominated Q2 and Q3. Free throws would be the theme of this game, with one side having a decent amount of tries at sinking the only points they could control.

The Liberty would attempt 25 free throws and make 21. The Lynx would attempt eight and score seven. This was a point of contention amongst many fans online, Lynx players, and the head coach post-game. 

“Today was incredibly disappointing”

Cheryl Reeve, coach of the Minnesota Lynx, was one of many who lamented how Game 5 was called by the referees. 

“I thought today was incredibly disappointing. We have got to change our challenge rules and the officials doing the game should have a third party because that was not a foul. That call should have been reversed on that challenge.”

Reeve refers to a foul called on Lynx star Alanna Smith against Liberty star Breanna Stewart.

“If we would have turned that clip in, they would have told us that it was marginal contact (and) no foul. Guaranteed. The three people that are on the game need a third party to let them know because it decided the game. All the headlines will be ‘Reeves cries foul’ and bring it on.”

“This has been a grind, every single game”

On the other hand, the head coach of the NY Liberty Sandy Brondello did not have much to say in response. Her focus was instead on the victory and the first championship arriving in New York. 

“I thought they were pretty fair. I mean, after the last game you have to give and take.”

Brondello refers to the calls made in Game 1 and 4, which she believes swayed in favor of the Minnesota Lynx.

“Game number one, we should have won that game. Look– I have so much respect for Cheryl (Reeve) and so much respect for the Minnesota Lynx team because man! I mean, it was ugly but we found a way to win. I am really proud of our team, how resilient we were, how we stuck together, how we continued to trust each other and that was our word today. Just trust the process.

“This has been a grind, every single game.”

“I am just really happy.”

Jonquel Jones, who was announced the most valuable player for the WNBA Championship, spoke about how it feels to finally win the Championship after over four attempts in the playoffs.

 “I mean, I am just really happy. I am trying to take in the moment and just enjoy every aspect of it. I am just up here smiling and thanking Jesus.”

“I am just really happy.”

Nyara Sabally, a center for the New York Liberty, was also a true star in the Game 5 showdown. She plays for Team Germany internationally, with her sister Satou Sabally. Nyara played the most minutes in Game 5, with 17 minutes and 13 points, and was prepared by her coach to come in and make an impact at the half.

“I prepared her at half time,” says Brondello

“Going with a bigger line-up, so Nyara you are coming in. What she brings– she has the X factor. Her ability to make one-on-one plays, to rebound the ball, play great defense, and then to finish plays.”

“So, I prepared her. Really, really proud of her. I know she has had a lot of adversity over her career, but the biggest game of her career (was Game 5) and she really rose to the occasion.”

Stewart, who was at the press conference as well, complimented Sabally on her commitment to staying fit even when she was not playing many minutes during the run-up to Game 5. It seems the team could agree that Sabally was a huge impact player.

A parade will take place in New York on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 10 am EST, followed by a special ceremony at City Hall.

The Liberty will also host their own celebration for fans at Barclays Center on the same day at 7 pm EST.

The parade is free and open to all, the celebration at Barclays Center is a ticketed event.

Next season the WNBA Finals will be a best-of-seven competition, expanding the playoff format. This will extend the playoff season and raises questions about managing player load in an extended structure.