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 on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in New York.

Pamela Smith/AP

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Pamela Smith/AP

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

The Liberty won the series 3-2 against the Minnesota Lynx and scored 67-62 in the final game on Sunday.

The Liberty had reached the finals five times previously, including the league's first year in 1997 and last year, but had never won.

“It's an incredible feeling to be able to bring a championship to New York – for the first time in franchise history – and I 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 for the entire series.

“I’m just really happy,” she said. “I'm really just trying to capture the moment and every aspect of it. So I’m just standing up 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 the fifth without the officiating. She added that the league's rules for challenging a call should be changed.

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

She added, “And all the headlines will be, 'Reeve crying foul.'” Bring it on, bring it on, 'cause this shit was stolen from us… We know there's some things we could have done, right? But you shouldn't have to overcome yourself so much, it's not that difficult. Officiating is not that difficult.”

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

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

Sunday's dramatic conclusion to the finals capped a record-breaking season for the league's popularity. Both average viewership and television ratings increased this season thanks to increased financial investment and the influx of dynamic newcomers like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.