By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The New York Liberty beat the Minnesota Lynx, 67-62, in overtime to win the first WNBA championship in franchise history.
After falling short over the previous five berths in the WNBA Finals, the Liberty got the job one in Barclays Center on Sunday.
Jonquel Jones was named Finals MVP after chipping in 17 points and six rebounds in do-or-die Game 5. The Bahamian forward averaged 17.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks per contest through the best-of-five series.
The team coached by Sandy Brondello bounced back from an overtime loss in Barclays Center with two straight wins. After losing Game 4, the series returned to Barclays Center. Storming back from a 12-point deficit to prevail in Game 5 earned the championship.
“Let’s not stop at one though,” mentioned the Australian head coach, “Let’s go for two.”
Brondello, 56, was previously crowned WNBA champion with the Phoenix Mercury in 2014.
Becoming a three-time WNBA champion, Breanna Stewart posted a 13-point, 15-rebound double-double in Game 5. “This is something special,” she described her feelings.
German teammates Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally added 13 more points apiece. Sabrina Ionescu was limited to five points with 1/19 from the field but chipped in eight assists, seven rebounds, and two steals.
On the wrong end of the deciding contest, Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride ended up with 22 and 21 points, respectively. They were not enough for the Lynx to win a fifth championship.
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