FOLLOWING one of the best finals series in Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) history, the New York Liberty have claimed the 2024 championship, after defeating the Minnesota Lynx in five games.

The two teams headed to a decider after the Lynx tied up the series at two wins apiece on Saturday, in a fitting end to a memorable matchup between two powerhouse teams of the competition. Each game had its twists and turns, and a deciding clash was always going to have a similar ending.

The win for New York means Mackay native Sandy Brondello is now a two-time WNBA championship winning coach following a title with the Phoenix in her first season in 2014, adding another feather to her cap as she continues to be one of the premier basketball coaches in the world.

New York Liberty (67) def. Minnesota Lynx (62)

The Lynx jumped out to an early lead, gaining scoreboard ascendancy in the first quarter and getting the jump on the Liberty, despite being on the road in Brooklyn. At the end of the first quarter, the visitors led 19-10, and could not have asked for a better start.

Minnesota kept pressing in the second period, pushing to lead by as many as 12 points at one stage in the second term. The game was slipping away from New York, and it needed to respond fast before getting in too deep of a hole. Through some impressive plays from Breanna Stewart, the Liberty drew within seven points at the main change, and it was game on.

New York star Sabrina Ionescu may have had a rough night shooting the ball (1/19 FG), but her ability to set up her teammates at the start of the third term was crucial in getting the Liberty back in the contest. Nyara Sabally racked up back to back baskets and suddenly, New York had the lead for the first time, leading by three at the final change.

The teams traded blows in the final period, with Minnesota regaining the lead, before the Liberty ended up with a four-point buffer with a few minutes on the clock and everything to play for. After the Lynx snagged a two-point advantage, Stewart knocked down a pair of free throws in the final seconds that came from a contentious foul on Aussie forward Alanna Smith, and the game went to overtime in dramatic fashion.

New York was simply too good in overtime, with the Lynx letting their opportunity to win the match slip at the end of regulation. Sabally stole the ball and recorded a basket that essentially sealed the match in extra time, with the Liberty claiming the ultimate prize.

After a stellar series with the Liberty, Jonquel Jones was named Finals MVP, averaging 18 points and eight rebounds across the series and delivered in the big game with 17 points in the decider. Stewart finished with 13 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks in a strong two-way performance.

For the Lynx, Napheesa Collier was again excellent with 22 points, while Kayla McBride added 21 as the duo looked to drag their side over the line.