Breanna Stewart, Liberty Celebrated By Fans for 1st-Ever WNBA Title Win vs. Lynx

Andrew PetersOctober 21, 2024

BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 20: Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty handles the ball during the game against the Minnesota Lynx during Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on October 20, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

At long last, the WNBA champion resides in New York City.

The New York Liberty won a winner-takes-all Game 5 over the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 in overtime on Sunday to claim their first title in franchise history in their sixth trip to the WNBA Finals.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
🚨 LIBERTY WIN THEIR FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP IN FRANCHISE HISTORY 🚨<br><br>New York stand up 🔥🗽 <a href="https://t.co/TCmysUYTfi">pic.twitter.com/TCmysUYTfi</a>

Breanna Stewart had the chance to tie the game at the free throw line with less than a minute to play, but missed both to allow Minnesota to put the game away. The Lynx couldn't capitalize and Stewart once again went to the line on the other end, this time the stakes much higher with less than 10 seconds to play.

She got her redemption, making both free throws to make it 60-60. The Lynx's game-winning shot attempt missed, sending things to overtime—a fitting place for a game with such intensity.

WNBA @WNBA
BREANNA STEWART TIES THE GAME. WE ARE GOING TO OT! <a href="https://t.co/pAOUG2Kt7M">pic.twitter.com/pAOUG2Kt7M</a>

There were just nine points scored between both teams in a scrappy, defensive overtime battle, but the Liberty walked away as champions after Stewart sealed the game at the free throw line.

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After the win, fans praised New York for bouncing back from last year's WNBA Finals loss with a championship.

Jalen Brunson @jalenbrunson1
🗽🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/nyliberty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nyliberty</a> let's go!!

Tyrese Haliburton @TyHaliburton22
s/o stewie and the squad, what a year

🏁 Jamal Crawford @JCrossover
I would watch 5 more games between the Liberty and Lynx. High level !! Respect.

Ben Stiller @BenStiller
LIBERTY WIN 🗽🙌🙌🙌🙌

Samantha Bates @samanthabates12
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WNBAPlayoffs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WNBAPlayoffs</a> did not disappoint at all!!! Congrats to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Liberty?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Liberty</a>

mansion teele @MikeMansion
New York Liberty finally got a chip! This is big for the city!!

elijah @elijahmckeown
Liberty getting that done despite the night Stewie and Sabrina had offensively is unbelievable

TheBigHomieDre @thebighomiedre
After 28 years, the New York Liberty are finally WNBA Champions!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WNBA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WNBA</a>

G💲 @envyintheair
Stewie clutch !!! <a href="https://t.co/mTcZX01WEq">https://t.co/mTcZX01WEq</a>

Dominique Bates-Smith @dabates94
JJ was incredible!! Sabally off the bench 🔥 Sabrina struggled shooting but was a great facilitator when it mattered. And Stewie was clutch when it mattered most! Congrats Liberty!!! Earned!!

999. @yayo11_
Defense wins championships.<br>Stewie & Sab terrible shooting night but Stewie hit clutch free throws and as a team locked up 🔥🔥🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/2aZey4lRna">https://t.co/2aZey4lRna</a>

Casey @caseoqueso
Stewie was absolutely clutch when it counted.

Wimbooooo @13thWimbo
Jonquel Jones, go grab that Finals MVP

Uthman @uthytweets
Jonquel Jones needs a statue next to the liberty in NY.

Jacob Smith @JaySmithBall
Jonquel Jones been one of the best forwards in the league since her time in Connecticut, very deserving champ. Man this team is so much fun.

It wasn't the best night for the Liberty's stars as Stewart had just 13 points and Sabrina Ionescu had just five, but stout defense and a strong supporting cast willed New York to the win.

Jonquel Jones led the way for the Liberty with her 17 points and six rebounds, and she was awarded with a WNBA Finals MVP trophy.

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