The New York Liberty had two unlikely heroes to thank for their first ever WNBA title.
Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu starred all season to fire their team into the Finals.
GettyNyara Sabally has overcome adversity to reach the top[/caption]
But the Minnesota Lynx held both in check in Sunday’s thrilling overtime victory.
Stewart shot just two of seven field goals and Ionescu went one from 19.
Jonquel Jones’ 17 points earned her the MVP award in the 67-62 win.
But it was German star Nyara Sabally whose name the fans were chanting after a clutch performance off the bench.
The forward put up 13 points, seven rebounds, and a block.
She also made a decisive layup after a steal in overtime.
“SABALLY IS THE X FACTOR!!!” Reese posted on X.
Sabally signed a three-year $152,000 contract with the Liberty in 2023.
The 24-year-old tore her ACL twice in college and missed her entire rookie season through injury in 2022.
But she bounced back and showed her class to earn a deserved ring.
GettyThe Liberty relied on their bench in a thrilling win[/caption]
GettyNew York celebrates a 3-2 victory in an epic WNBA Finals[/caption]
“Whole arena chanting Sabally so proud of my baby sis, she’s been through so much and deserves THE WORLDDDDDDD,” posted her sister Satou Sabally, who plays for the Dallas Wings.
“She was the x factor! We don’t win this game without her,” added a fan.
“Throughout the whole season, there’s been unwavering support from Sandy and my teammates,” Nyara said after the game.
“This organization has always believed in me. They drafted me knowing I had to sit out a year.
“Every time I’m on the floor, my teammates have my back.”
Victory earned Stewart – signed in a blockbuster offseason trade to transform the Liberty – a third title.
“I’ve been manifesting this moment for awhile, There’s no feeling like it,” Stewart said.
“Credit to Minnesota they gave us a tough series. The fans have been amazing everywhere we’ve gone.
“To bring a championship to New York, first ever in franchise history it’s an incredible feeling. I can’t wait to continue to celebrate with the city. It’s going to be bonkers.”
