New York Liberty Strive to Overcome ‘Chokers’ Label in WNBA Finals

Sandy Brondello, head coach of the New York Liberty, emphasized the need for focus as the team secured the top seed in the WNBA standings, acknowledging that the journey is far from over. “We haven’t done anything yet,” Brondello stated, underscoring the challenge ahead as the Liberty enter the WNBA Finals for the second consecutive year. Despite enjoying home-court advantage, the Liberty are aware that simply relying on fan support won’t suffice.

This season, the Liberty emerged as a formidable force in the league, boasting the best offensive ratings during the regular season. They advanced to the Finals after a commanding semi-final performance against the Las Vegas Aces, a team thwarted from achieving a three-peat. As preparations for the Finals intensify, the Liberty remain conscious of their pursuit of an elusive championship title, despite a storied playoff history.

The New York Liberty have been a consistent presence in the WNBA, having qualified for the playoffs 19 times in their 28-year history. As one of the original teams from the league’s inception, the Liberty’s playoff appearances are second only to the Seattle Storm. This year, they matched the record for most Finals appearances, reaching their sixth. However, following them closely, the Minnesota Lynx have surpassed this with their seventh Finals appearance.

The Liberty’s playoff journey dates back to the inaugural season of the WNBA, where they initially faltered in the Finals against the Houston Comets. After missing the playoffs the following year, the team quickly regained momentum, reaching the championship game in both 1999 and 2000, but ultimately falling to the Comets, who captured four consecutive titles during that period.

In 2002, the Liberty faced another finals defeat, this time at the hands of the Los Angeles Sparks. Since that setback, the Liberty have made it to the playoffs 14 times without clinching the championship. Last year, under Brondello’s guidance, they ended a two-decade absence from the Finals, defeating the Connecticut Sun to reach that stage yet again.

Despite falling short last season, they added the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup to their accolades, a glimmer of silverware alongside their playoff endeavors. In the 2023 season, another opportunity arose as they confronted the Las Vegas Aces, who had claimed the top seed with a formidable record. Although the Liberty secured a victory in the Commissioner’s Cup over the Aces, the latter sought revenge in the Finals.

The Finals saw the Aces gain an early advantage, winning the first two games against star player Breanna Stewart and her Liberty teammates. Despite a strong comeback in Game 3 by the Liberty, the Aces clinched the series in Game 4, marking the Liberty’s fifth Finals loss. The New York Liberty remain the only team with over five playoff appearances but without a WNBA championship title, a distinction they hope to overcome.