An Australian won the WNBA championship for an 18th time on Monday when Seven Consulting Opals Head Coach Sandy Brondello led New York to the title.
An original WNBA franchise, the Liberty had never won a championship, from five Finals attempts, until today and it took extra time in a thrilling Game 5 for them to beat Minnesota Lynx, 67-62, in front of a packed Barclays Centre.
“New York, we did it!” Brondello told ESPN post-game.
“I’m really proud of how resilient we were, we stayed together and Minnesota, credit to them they are a tough team.”
This is Brondello’s second WNBA title. In her first year with Phoenix in 2014 she coached the Mercury to the trophy.
It completes a brilliant 2024 for the coaching powerhouse which includes the Opals bronze-medal win at the Paris Olympics in August.
Opal Alanna Smith was on the losing end with the Minnesota Lynx but fought courageously through a back injury sustained in Game 3, and suffered several big knocks during the deciding game, to fight on for her team.
Smith combined 8 rebounds with 6 points, 2 assists and a steal in 36 minutes court time.
Australians to win the WNBA championship
Sandy Brondello (coach), Lauren Jackson, Tully Bevilaqua, Penny Taylor, Erin Phillips, Belinda Snell, Alison Lacey, Abby Bishop, Rachel Jarry, Sami Whitcomb, Ezi Magbegor, Cayla George.
