Here are the Best Reactions to the NY Liberty’s Historic WNBA Championship Victory
In a thrilling culmination of 28 years of hard work, the New York Liberty have clinched their first WNBA championship. The dramatic Game 5 against the Minnesota Lynx ended with a nail-biting score of 67-62, but not without controversy. Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve wasn’t shy about expressing her discontent, claiming that her team experienced an unfair advantage due to questionable officiating.
NBA superstar LeBron James took to Twitter, sharing his frustration: “I’m sorry but that wasn’t a foul! Let the damn players dictate the outcome of a close battled tested game.”
In the wake of this monumental win, reactions poured in from fans and players alike. Journalist Frankie de la Cretaz captured a heartwarming moment featuring former Liberty greats Sue Wicks and Teresa Weatherspoon teary-eyed as they witnessed the team’s triumph. De la Cretaz tweeted, “How can you not be romantic about women’s basketball?”
Candace Parker, who is enjoying her first season as a fan, chimed in with a light-hearted tweet congratulating the Liberty: “Congrats to NY Liberty on the ship. This WNBA season has been fun to watch as a first-time fan.”
Chicago Sky player Angel Reese showcased her support for both teams, commending the Liberty’s victory while highlighting the impressive year for women’s basketball: “This year of women’s basketball was legendary, and I’m so glad to be part of it!”
Molly Morrison, a journalist with Bleacher Report, shared her journey with the WNBA, stating that her time in New York has offered her a sense of belonging and a deep appreciation for the sport. “What I’ve experienced at those games: the passion, the inclusivity, the love—has been incredible.”
Sports writer Jane McManus noted the remarkable turnaround of the Liberty under new ownership, pointing out their previous struggles. “The Liberty team played in a 2,000 seat venue for years because an owner didn’t care about the WNBA. Look at the Barclays; see what new ownership and investment can do,” she tweeted.
Clara Tsai, the team’s owner, echoed this sentiment in her comments following the game, reflecting on their journey from the Westchester County Center to a packed Barclays Center filled with 18,000 fans.
The Liberty’s beloved mascot, Ellie the Elephant, expressed her emotions post-game, saying, “This was real y’all,” and humorously called out the Lynx’s mascot for all the teasing throughout the season.
Amid the celebration, a few fans couldn’t resist making jokes about the consequences of the Liberty’s victory, advising against late-night texts to exes following the win.
In a night filled with joy, pride, and a touch of nostalgia, the New York Liberty have marked a significant chapter in their history, and reactions from across the sports community make it clear—this victory means so much more than just a title.