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In a fitting finale to one of the most thrilling WNBA seasons ever, the New York Liberty captured their first championship title with a 67-62 overtime victory over the Minnesota Lynx. The win not only brings the Liberty its first championship as one of the league's founding teams, but it also bolsters Breanna Stewart’s legacy as one of the greatest to ever play in the WNBA, ensuring the Game 3 heroics of Sabrina Ionescu are forever etched in championship lore.

This postseason delivered non-stop excitement with nail-biting finishes and unforgettable comebacks. The Finals saw three games decided by a single possession and featured two overtime battles, with Sunday night’s Game 5 marking the first time in Finals history that a decisive game reached OT.

Game 1 opened the series with an overtime showdown, where Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier clinched victory with a game-winner. New York quickly responded in Game 2 with a dominant 80-66 win to even the series. Ionescu’s clutch shot sealed a Game 3 victory, 80-77, putting the Liberty in control, but Minnesota countered with a home-court win to force a decisive Game 5.

In the championship-deciding game, Jonquel Jones led the charge with 17 points and six rebounds, earning her Finals MVP honors for her postseason averages of 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds on an impressive 56.1% shooting. Nyara Sabally also made a crucial impact off the bench, adding 13 points, seven rebounds, and key defensive plays in overtime.

Despite the loss, Napheesa Collier delivered a stellar postseason and finished Game 5 with 22 points and seven rebounds, showcasing her prowess alongside Minnesota’s Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, and Alanna Smith, who each contributed immensely to the Lynx’s deep playoff run.

The Liberty’s win also serves as redemption after last season’s Finals defeat to the Aces. Now, as they celebrate this hard-fought victory, New York can begin to prepare for a new challenge—their first title defense.