Following a grueling five-game series that ended in a climactic winner-takes-all overtime against the Minnesota Lynx, the New York Liberty took home their first WNBA Championship in franchise history, doing so on their home court at the Barclays Center. It was a hard-fought finale that saw both teams struggle on the offensive end; however, the difference was made by the depth of the Liberty’s roster.

While star Liberty players, Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart shot poorly, it was made up for with performances all around, such as Finals MVP Jonquel Jones putting in 17 points, and rookie Leonie Fiebich scoring 13. Where she lacked on the scoring front, Breanna Stewart made up for it with a defensive masterclass of 15 rebounds and 3 blocks. With the clock winding down in regulation, Stewart was fouled on a game-winning shot, however, she missed both free throws sending the game to overtime. 

In overtime, the Liberty proved that defense wins championships, holding the Lynx to 2 points. The Liberty’s lockdown defense, along with two clutch free throws from Stewart in the final 10 seconds of overtime, put the game out of reach, securing the title of the 2024 WNBA Champions for the New York Liberty, an accolade 27 years in the making.

On October 24th, A parade was held in the Canyon of Heroes to honor the Liberty. Following the parade, Mayor Eric Adams awarded players with the key to the city at City Hall, solidifying their role as legends in New York sports history.