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New York Liberty Celebrate WNBA Championship Victory on ‘GMA’

October 22, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The New York Liberty celebrated their historic WNBA championship win during a special “Good Morning America” appearance in Times Square this morning. The team clinched their first title by defeating the Minnesota Lynx in a thrilling Game 5 of the series, marking a monumental moment in franchise history.

Forward Jonquel Jones expressed her excitement: “To feel the energy of the stadium and our fans, and then to be able to win…it was an amazing experience. This is my fourth WNBA Finals, and finally, I get to win it and do it with these amazing ladies for the city.”

Sabrina Ionescu shared her thoughts on the team’s journey, saying, “To see how far we’ve come in such a short amount of time—doing this for each other and for the organization that has believed in us since the beginning. You can’t really put it into words. It feels amazing.” Reflecting on the pivotal shot she made that extended the series, Ionescu added, “I’m really glad it went in because all I’ve been saying is I want to make sure that shot counts, and winning has just made that shot count.”

Brianna Stewart, who played a crucial role in the championship victory, emphasized the importance of teamwork and trust. “I just know my team had my back. Whether it was in Game 1 or missing two shots earlier, it was just a moment, an opportunity that I couldn’t let pass by. When your team trusts and believes in you, it gives you even more confidence.”

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New York Liberty Capture Historic WNBA Championship with Overtime Victory Over Lynx

October 21, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In a thrilling conclusion to a historic season, the New York Liberty emerged as the 2024 WNBA champions, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 in a winner-take-all Game 5 on Sunday. This victory marks the Liberty’s first WNBA title in franchise history, ending a 28-year quest and making it New York’s first professional basketball championship since the Knicks in 1973.

Despite a slow start and an off shooting night from their stars, the Liberty found resilience in front of their home crowd, overcoming adversity to secure the coveted trophy. This win comes exactly 368 days after they watched the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their 2023 title on the Liberty’s home court in Brooklyn.

Breanna Stewart, who secured her third WNBA championship, had a pivotal role in the team’s success after making the bold decision to return to her home state and lead the Liberty to victory. Jonquel Jones, named Finals MVP for averaging 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds, expressed her joy: “I could never dream of this. You know how many times I’ve been denied. It was delayed. I am so happy to do it here.”

Sabrina Ionescu, the longest-tenured Liberty player, highlighted the significance of the championship, ensuring that her pivotal shot in Game 3 would be remembered as a game-changer.

Newcomers Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally each contributed 13 points, playing crucial roles in overtime to secure the win. Head coach Sandy Brondello solidified her legacy as one of the top coaches in WNBA history, becoming the sixth to win multiple titles and the second to do so with different teams.

For team owners Clara Wu Tsai and Joseph Tsai, this championship is the realization of their vision after acquiring the Liberty in 2019 and investing in building a championship-caliber roster.

The 2024 Finals, marking a new era for the league, concluded the best-of-five format, setting the stage for a best-of-seven championship series starting next season, showcasing the rising prominence of the WNBA.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Sabrina Ionescu Hits Game-Winner, Liberty One Win Away from WNBA Title

October 17, 2024 by newhiphopnews

New York Liberty nyliberty X 10 17 2024 08 06 AM

With the score tied at 77 and under 11 seconds remaining, the New York Liberty turned to Sabrina Ionescu to break the deadlock. Ionescu dribbled the clock down, took a hard dribble to her left, and launched a deep 28-footer inside the Minnesota Lynx logo. The ball splashed through the net with one second left, completing a 15-point comeback and securing an 80-77 win for the Liberty in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. New York now leads the series 2-1 and is one win away from its first-ever WNBA championship.

SABRINA STEP-BACK WINS IT FOR THE LIBERTY pic.twitter.com/UAsmAyz69U

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 17, 2024

ONE OF THE BIGGEST SHOTS IN LIBERTY FINALS HISTORY FROM SABRINA IONESCU

The Liberty takes Game 3! #WNBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/Whv0AMnNl9

— WNBA (@WNBA) October 17, 2024

“I’m built for this moment,” Ionescu said about her game-winning shot.

Liberty star Breanna Stewart added, “She’s worked really hard for this moment, and once she put it up, I was like, ‘Oh, it’s gonna go in.’”

Stewart was instrumental in the comeback, scoring 22 of her game-high 30 points in the second half, 11 rebounds and four blocks. Stewart now owns two of the three 30-point, 10-rebound games in WNBA Finals history, with teammate Jonquel Jones holding the other.

Ionescu’s clutch shot is already being hailed as one of the greatest in Liberty history, drawing comparisons to Teresa Weatherspoon’s legendary half-court buzzer-beater in Game 2 of the 1999 WNBA Finals. Weatherspoon’s shot capped off an 18-point comeback, while Ionescu’s 28-footer completed a 15-point rally, the third-largest comeback in WNBA Finals history.

During the postgame show, Weatherspoon said she will pass the torch for “biggest shot in Liberty history” to Ionescu, saying, “I’m absolutely okay with it. Just go get that thing, you’ve got one [win] to get.”

The Liberty will have a chance to win their first WNBA title in Game 4 in Minneapolis. However, the Lynx, led by Napheesa Collier—who set a postseason record with 249 points in Game 3—will aim to force a decisive Game 5 back in Brooklyn.

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New York Liberty Rallies Late to Claim Game 2 of WNBA Finals, Series Tied 1-1

October 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In a thrilling repeat of Game 1, the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx faced off in Game 2 of the 2024 WNBA Finals. New York surged to an early double-digit lead, extending it to nearly 20 points in the first half. However, Minnesota mounted a fierce comeback, narrowing the gap to just five points multiple times.

The final moments of the game marked a pivotal shift from Game 1. With 3:23 remaining and New York leading by only two, the Liberty ignited a 12-0 run, ultimately sealing an 80-66 victory and tying the series at 1-1.

Breanna Stewart had a standout performance, notching 21 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and a Finals record of 7 steals. “The moment the game ended Thursday night, I was looking forward to Sunday to change things, change the narrative a little bit,” Stewart remarked. Her impressive stats placed her in elite company, becoming one of only four players to achieve at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals in a playoff game.

On the Lynx side, Napheesa Collier contributed significantly with 16 points and 8 rebounds, passing legends Chelsea Gray and A’ja Wilson for the fourth-most points scored in a single postseason.

With the series now shifting to Minnesota, Game 3 promises to be crucial. Historically, teams that win Game 3 in a tied series have a 71.4% chance of claiming the championship. The pivotal matchup is set for Wednesday at 8 PM ET on ESPN.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Minnesota Lynx Stun NY Liberty in Thrilling Game 1 Comeback, 95-93

October 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Minnesota Lynx pulled off one of the largest comebacks in WNBA Finals history, defeating the New York Liberty 95-93 in overtime to take Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals. Down by 18 points early in the second quarter, the Lynx fought back multiple times throughout the game.

After cutting New York’s lead to two points in the third quarter, Minnesota faced a 15-point deficit with just five minutes remaining in the fourth. But the Lynx stormed back with an 18-2 run, capped by a four-point play from Courtney Williams, giving them their first lead with 5.5 seconds left. Breanna Stewart’s free throws sent the game to overtime, but Minnesota continued to battle.

Down four in the final minute of OT, New York rallied with steals and layups from Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones to tie the game. But with 8.8 seconds left, Lynx star Napheesa Collier hit a tough fadeaway jumper to seal the win. Stewart missed a layup on New York’s final possession, and Minnesota took Game 1.

Courtney Williams (23 points), Kayla McBride (22 points), and Collier (21 points, 8 rebounds, 6 blocks) led the Lynx, who now have a 74% chance to win the title, as teams that win Game 1 have done so 20 of 27 times. Collier’s performance puts her in elite company, joining Lisa Leslie and Sylvia Fowles as one of the few players with 20+ points, 8+ rebounds, and 5+ blocks in a Finals game.

In seeking its first-ever WNBA title, New York was led by Jonquel Jones (24 points) while Stewart and Ionescu struggled with 29.8% shooting.

Game 2 is set for Sunday.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Liberty Clinch WNBA Finals Spot with 76-62 Win Over Aces

October 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The New York Liberty secured their place in the 2024 WNBA Finals with a 76-62 victory over the Las Vegas Aces, winning the series 3-1. Sabrina Ionescu, bouncing back from a career-low four points in Game 3, led the way with 22 points and five 3-pointers in the series-clinching win. Breanna Stewart filled the stat sheet for New York with 19 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks, while Jonquel Jones added 14 points. Rookie Leonie Fiebich contributed 11 points and seven rebounds, finishing as a plus-28 in 28 minutes.

The Aces, aiming for a historic three-peat, saw their 12-game home playoff win streak snapped. Despite the loss, unanimous MVP A’ja Wilson delivered a strong performance, leading the Aces with 19 points, ten rebounds, and five blocks.

With the win, the Liberty return to the WNBA Finals for the second straight year and sixth time in franchise history, now just three wins away from their first-ever WNBA championship. As the No. 1 seed, they will host Game 1 of the Finals on Thursday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn (8 PM ET, ESPN).

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SOURCE SPORTS: Liberty Hold Off Aces to Take 2-0 Lead in Semifinals

October 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The New York Liberty held off the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, 88-84, to take a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-five semifinal series. Sabrina Ionescu led the charge with 24 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, scoring seven of New York’s final nine points in the last two minutes to secure the win.

The Liberty’s balanced effort saw contributions from Breanna Stewart (15 points, seven rebounds, eight assists), Jonquel Jones (14 points, eight rebounds), and Courtney Vandersloot (12 points, four rebounds), who combined for 41 points.

New York improved to 6-1 in games decided by five points or less this season, including the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Aces fell to 5-6 in such close contests.

History favors the Liberty, as teams that have taken a 2-0 lead in a best-of-five WNBA Playoff series are 18-0 all-time. The Aces now face elimination for the first time since 2021. A’ja Wilson, who scored 18 of her 24 points in the second half, will lead Las Vegas in a must-win Game 3. Since Wilson’s WNBA debut in 2018, the Aces are 5-3 when facing elimination.

Game 3 is a high-stakes battle, with the Liberty looking to advance to the Finals and the Aces fighting to keep their title defense alive.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Liberty Beat Aces to Claim Game 1 of WNBA Semifinal Series

September 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The New York Liberty made a statement in Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Semifinals, defeating the defending champion Las Vegas Aces 87-77 at home on Sunday. Nearly a year after the Aces ended the Liberty’s season by clinching back-to-back titles in the 2023 Finals, New York came out determined, led by stellar performances from Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones.

Stewart, who finished with 34 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals, was unstoppable from the start, putting up 20 points by halftime. “I wanted to come out and set the tone, be aggressive, and take what the defense was giving me,” Stewart said after the game. Her offensive dominance helped New York build an early double-digit lead, and they never looked back.

Ionescu added 21 points and five assists, while Jones contributed a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, solidifying New York’s advantage over the Aces.

Reflecting on last year’s Finals loss, Stewart noted her growth since that defeat. “I’ve just kind of grown from it, had a lot of time to reflect on it—how I can be better, how to handle things collectively better. I don’t forget who I am and what I can do.”

The Liberty holds a 1-0 series lead as they aim to dethrone the Aces and move closer to their first WNBA Championship. Game 2 of the Semifinals is set for later this week in New York.

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WATCH: Spike Lee and LV Aces Guard Kelsey Plum Trash Talk During WNBA Semis

September 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Spike Lee is the First Black Prez on Cannes Film Festival Jury

There is no bigger New York sports fan than Spike Lee. As the New York Liberty got their semifinal series underway with the Las Vegas Aces, a rematch of last year’s WNBA Finals, Lee exchanged words with Kelsey Plum.

Cameras picked up Lee and Plum exchanging words while the Liberty were up 14. And boy, Plum looks HEATED. Liberty won game 1 87-77, and Plum scored 24 points. You can see the moment below.

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SOURCE SPORTS: New York Liberty Mascot Ellie The Elephant Debuts Custom Nina Chanel-Abney Jersey to Celebrate New Air Jordan 3 Drop

June 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In a colorful display of fashion and celebration, New York Liberty’s beloved mascot, Ellie The Elephant, proudly sported a custom-designed jersey by Nina Chanel-Abney. The jersey debut coincided with the global launch of Nina Chanel-Abney’s AJ3 collaboration, marking a unique fusion of sports, art, and style.

Nina Chanel-Abney, known for her vibrant and dynamic artwork, brought her distinctive aesthetic to Liberty’s mascot attire, enhancing the team’s spirit with her artistic flair. The collaboration underscores the intersection of sports and culture, highlighting the influence of art in the sports arena and beyond.

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Following her minimalist AJ2 collaboration in 2022, New York-based contemporary artist and painter Nina Chanel Abney returns with her creative touch on the iconic AJ3. Featuring a blend of waxed canvas and shaggy suede, the textured overlays enrich the shoe’s upper with depth and harmony. The design is complemented by vibrant hits of orange, a Fossil-colored midsole, and accents that complete its aesthetic appeal. Leather-lined collar and tongue enhance comfort and style. Special details such as checkered insoles, rope laces, and custom heel branding underscore Abney’s dedication to craftsmanship.

In a groundbreaking move, Abney becomes the first artist to reimagine the iconic Jumpman logo in her distinctive style through this collaboration. This partnership seamlessly merges contemporary artistry with sneaker culture, paying homage to Jordan’s enduring legacy while pushing artistic boundaries and capturing attention since the original AJ3 release in 1988.