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The New York Liberty won their first ever WNBA Championship on Sunday night in a 67-62 overtime victory over the Minnesota Lynx.
Seventh-year player out of George Washington, Jonquel Jones, was named the 2024 Finals MVP after averaging 17.8 points with 7.6 rebounds while shooting 56 percent from the field during the 2024 Finals.
During Game 5, Jones finished with 17 points, six rebounds and one assist to help the Liberty grab the title.
Jones was drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks before being traded to the Connecticut Sun as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft.
Jones was fighting back tears while accepting the award from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
“Y’all know my story, y’all know how many times I’ve been denied it but, it was delayed that’s all it was,” Jones said post-game. “I’m so happy to do it here.”
Born in the Grand Bahamas, the 30-year-old adds the accolade to a long list including the 2017 Most Improved Player, 2018 Sixth Woman of the Year and the 2021 MVP.
Teammates Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart struggled during Game 5, making Jones’ ability to step up for her team instrumental in their overtime victory.
Ionescu finished the game shooting 1-19 with five points, eight assists and seven rebounds while Stewie added 13 points, shooting 4-15 with 15 rebounds.
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