NEW YORK RUNS THE W

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The WNBA season has delivered like no other, but the league saved the best (or at least, the most nerve-wracking) for last, as the New York Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx in overtime to win the title. Congratulations Liberty, you are champions. Banners fly forever.

Just a few years ago, the Liberty had been left for dead. With flailing attendance, losing season after losing season, and little direction, New York was far from the hot ticket they are today.

Things changed after Clara Wu Tsai took over as team owner in 2019. The Liberty moved to the Barclays Center, embraced their community like never before, and invested in a core that could take them to the promised land. On Sunday, they fulfilled that promise. One of the original WNBA franchises finally erased decades of bad vibes to lift their first trophy.

The stars were out in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center on Sunday night, with the likes of Spike Lee, Fat Joe and Jason Sudeikis in attendance, as well as many Liberty legends from years past. Angel Reese won the fit battle with a custom half-and-half jersey by designer Jocelyn Hu. 

Of course, Ellie the Elephant was going to dress to impress for the final game of the year with a championship on the line.

This was a true nail-biter. If you are curious about how tense the vibe was as Barclays, here’s Spike Lee:

But the Liberty pulled it out. After 28 years and five Finals losses in past seasons, New York lifted the trophy. They celebrated in kind. Jonquel Jones was named WNBA Finals MVP.

Nike, of course, had a commercial ready to go as soon as the whistle sounded.

Fittingly, the wildest Finals in memory, capping off a season that saw record attendance across the league, saw both teams make history. Like the shirt says, everyone watches women’s sports.

Adam Faris is back to give us his take on the weekend:

Most college football moment of the F1 weekend?

It has to be George Russell kicking the football into the crowd during Mercedes’ pre-race presser. Lewis put the laces out on the hold, so both drivers hold some blame for the trajectory of the kick. But overall, George had solid form—let’s get him in some pads and see what he can do.

Best fit from either event?

It’s got to be Yuki. He’s been upping his fashion game and although not necessarily “Texas-related,” I still loved it.

More impressive celeb row?

Both brought out a strong A-List crowd, but I have to go with F1 here. Don’t get me wrong, KD, Joe Rogan, Glen Powell and Matthew McConaughey are impressive but the GP brought out such a wide range of stars—where else are you going to find both Gordon Ramsey and Shaboozey?