The New York Liberty clinched their first WNBA title after defeating the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 in a thrilling Game 5. However, not everyone is celebrating the victory. Sports journalist Jason Whitlock expressed strong criticism regarding the quality of the championship game.
“Thanks to rigged officiating, the New York Liberty won the WNBA title shooting 30% from the field and 2 of 23 from three. They should be embarrassed accepting the trophy. Put an asterisk next to it. Worst championship game in the history of American sports,” he tweeted.
“Tim Donaghy is cackling and rolling a blunt. #WNBARigged,” he added in another team, referring to the infamous former NBA referee.
In the championship match, the Lynx recorded a shooting percentage of 37.1% and struggled from beyond the arc, finishing at 15.8%. The Liberty fared even worse, hitting only 30.6% of their field goals and 8.7% from three-point range.
Jonquel Jones led the Liberty with 17 points, while Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu struggled offensively. The game was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads and battling fiercely.
The Lynx, on the other hand, struggled in overtime, failing to convert any of their six field goal attempts. Kayla McBride’s two free throws were Minnesota’s only points in the extra period. The Lynx’s efforts fell short as they sought a record fifth championship.
Napheesa Collier led Minnesota with 22 points before fouling out, denying the Lynx a chance to secure a record fifth WNBA title. The Lynx had dominated the league for years but fell short this time against a determined Liberty squad.
Whitlock’s remarks highlight a growing sentiment around the quality of play in the WNBA Finals. He criticized the overall performance of both teams, pointing to the low shooting percentages as evidence of a lackluster championship.
Despite the criticism, the Liberty’s triumph is a significant achievement for the franchise. They have long been considered one of the league’s original teams, and their journey to this point has been marked by both disappointment and perseverance.
