New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu holds up the championship trophy after the Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx in Game 5 of the WNBA basketball finals series, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in New York.

Pamela Smith/AP

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Pamela Smith/AP

The New York Liberty won its first championship title after a five-game series, two of which went to overtime.

The Liberty won the series 3-2 against the Minnesota Lynx, scoring 67-62 in Sunday’s final game.

The Liberty had previously been to the finals five times, including the competition’s first year in 1997 and last year, but had never won.

“To be able to bring a championship to New York – the first ever in franchise history – is an incredible feeling, and I literally can’t wait to continue celebrating with the city,” said Liberty forward Breanna Stewart.

Liberty center Jonquel Jones was named MVP after averaging 17.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists during the series.

“I’m just really happy,” she said. “I’m really just trying to absorb the moment and every aspect of it. So I’m just standing here smiling, thanking Jesus, thanking my teammates, and yeah, just enjoying the moment, man.

Coach Cheryl Reeve has led the Lynx to four WNBA championships and said her team would have won their fifth if not for the referee. She added that the league’s rules on challenging a call should be changed.

“We know this because we’ve been a part of the game for so long, that sometimes if you’re physical and aggressive you can get away with things, and (the Liberty) certainly did that.”

She added: “And all the headlines will be, ‘Reeve cries foul.’ Come on, come on, because this shit was stolen from us… We know we could have done some things, right? But you should not overcome to that extent, this is not so difficult. It is not that difficult to lead.”

Liberty Coach Sandy Brondello said she thought the referees were fair.

“That’s what you gotta get: give and take,” she said. “I mean, game No. 1, we should have won that game.”

Sunday’s dramatic finale capped a record season for the competition’s popularity. Average attendance and ratings are both up this season, thanks to increased financial investment and the influx of dynamic newcomers like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.