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Arike Ogunbowale watched as Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty clinched Game 5 of the WNBA Finals against the Minnesota Lynx. Sunday’s 67-62 overtime victory gave the Liberty their first championship in franchise history despite rough shooting performances from their stars.
Stewart and Ionescu combined for just 18 points on a horrendous 5-for-34 shooting, including 1-for-13 from behind the arc.
After the game, Ogunbowale quickly took a lighthearted jab at New York’s star duo:
“Stewie [Stewart] & Sab [Ionescu] gotta treat the rest of the team to the finest steakhouse in NY”
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Minnesota’s defense slowed down Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu. However, despite the Lynx's defensive effort, the two had multiple wide-open shots. Ionescu, in particular, could have sealed the game early in overtime had she converted the two 3-pointers she took with no defender within three feet of her.
Stewart’s poor shooting extended to the free-throw line, where she made just five of eight attempts. Two of her misses nearly cost them the game, but she made up for them by hitting two freebies that sent the game into overtime.
Jonquel Jones came through for the New York Liberty with 17 points and six rebounds. She was named the 2024 WNBA Finals MVP as she carried the load with Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart struggling to make shots.
Rookie Leonie Fiebich and reserve Nyara Sabally each had 13 points for New York.
Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu still contributed despite their poor shooting
Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu struggled to make shots but still made vital contributions to the New York Liberty's success.
Stewart came up big on defense despite her shooting woes. She guarded Collier for most of the night and slowed down the MVP runner-up, limiting her to just one shot in overtime.
Ionescu contributed through her movement and playmaking. Even without the ball, the Lynx defense never stopped monitoring her. Every time she moved through multiple screens, she forced Minnesota to rotate, allowing her teammates to get open looks.
Ionescu also finished with eight assists, seven rebounds, two steals and one block.
