WATCH: Sabrina Lonescu heroically celebrates as New York Liberty secures their first-ever WNBA title win

Sabrina Ionescu and her team defeated Minnesota Lynx 67-62 on Sunday night at Barclays Center, marking their first WNBA Finals appearance since losing to the Las Vegas Aces in 2023. The Liberty will undoubtedly be celebrating for a long time after winning a WNBA championship for the first time in their existence.

Even though Sabrina Ionescu didn't play well in Game 5 of the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx series, she recently won her first WNBA championship, therefore it doesn't matter to her anymore. The former Oregon Ducks standout enthusiastically celebrated on the court following the game. During a very moving moment, Ionescu lifted her hands, gestured to the crowd, and screamed loudly.

Watch the video here:

THIS CHAMPIONSHIP MEANS EVERYTHING TO SABRINA IONESCU 🗽 pic.twitter.com/dlE6T2Y130

— WNBA (@WNBA) October 21, 2024

Sabrina Ionescu was HYPED with the Liberty crowd after winning their first WNBA title 🔥

(via @WNBA)pic.twitter.com/0zX5yOQA5T

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 21, 2024

Even though Ionescu had a terrible shooting night, New York Liberty were still able to win the championship. The former first overall choice went only 1-for-10 from outside the arc and fired a dismal 1-for-19 from the field. She only scored five points in the end. She still contributed in other areas, though, as she finished 40 minutes with seven rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and a block.

Breanna Stewart sent the game into overtime

With the Liberty behind the Lynx by two points toward the end of regulation, New York was on the brink of defeating Game 5, but two clutch free-throw baskets from Breanna Stewart sent the game into overtime. Lonescu missed both her shots in the last five minutes of the match, demonstrating her persistent difficulty with her stroke in extra time. 

By the end of the match, it made little difference since the Liberty played better on both ends of the court and New York's defense kept the Lynx scoreless for the remainder of the game. However, a formidable Lynx team, led by Kayla McBride with 21 points and Napheesa Collier with 22, pushed Ionescu and the Liberty to the edge. In contrast, Stewart had a double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds in Game 5, while Jonquel Jones led the Liberty with 17 points.