In a historic night for the New York Liberty, Jonquel Jones emerged as the hero, leading her team to their first-ever WNBA Championship. In a tense overtime battle, the Liberty triumphed over the Minnesota Lynx 67-62, with Jones’ performance standing out in the face of adversity. Scoring 17 points and grabbing six rebounds, she was rightfully named the Finals MVP, marking a career-defining moment.
The game didn’t come easy for the Liberty’s other stars. Sabrina Lonescu, a key figure in the Liberty's run to the finals, struggled mightily, hitting just one of her 19 shots. Breanna Stewart also found it tough, shooting 4 for 15. But despite their challenges, it was the resilience of Jones that made the difference. She stepped up when her team needed her the most, delivering clutch plays and commanding the boards.
"Her dominance in the paint and her defensive presence kept us alive," Stewart reflected after the game, highlighting Jones’ pivotal role.
The win also signified a powerful story of redemption for the Liberty. After building a super-team with Jones, Lonescu, and Stewart, expectations were sky-high. However, with Lonescu’s shooting woes continuing throughout the game, the odds seemed stacked against them. Yet, Jones’ leadership, grit, and determination carried the Liberty through, proving that championships are won by team effort, not just individual brilliance.
It was the very first time New York Liberty will win the WNBA finals after 28 years. They overturned a 1 nil deficit to win the series 3-2.
Amidst the jubilation at the Barclays Center, Lonescu spoke from the heart: “We did it, New York! This is for all of us, for this city, and for every fan who believed in us.”