The New York Liberty had a season to remember in 2024. Not only did they win their first championship but they got to the final of the Commissioner’s Cup where they lost to the Minnesota Lynx. They got their revenge on Cheryl Reeves’ side by beating them in the final of the playoffs. New York Liberty had a superb regular season finishing top of the standings which enabled them to have home-court advantage in the playoffs. Home court advantage could easily have been the difference in the series against Minnesota Lynx as they played game five at home. Let’s dive into why the New York Liberty can repeat as WNBA champions next year.
Why New York Liberty Can Repeat As WNBA Champions
The Liberty Brought Back Their Elite Core
The Liberty are one of the few franchises that have not made big changes to their roster. This is brilliant as they will know how to get the best out of each other. The likes of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones have played with each other for years so they would have great chemistry. Additionally, this is one of the best trios in the league. It also remains to be seen how long it will take for the new players to adapt to their new roster. Some of the players who signed as free agents to new franchises don’t have much time to make an impact particularly if they just signed a one-year deal. For instance, 34-year-old Brittney Griner would be under pressure to hit the ground running as she may not be at Atlanta Dream for long.
New York Liberty Are Defending Champions
Prior to becoming WNBA Champions in 2024, the Liberty had lost in the final five times. Defeating the Lynx side means they have banished ghosts from previous final matchups. Sandy Brondello will be relieved that finishing as the number one seed and gaining home-court advantage throughout the playoffs wasn’t for nothing. It also means they now know what it takes to get over the line, which could prove invaluable if they come up against Phoenix Mercury or Indiana Fever in the playoffs. It is surprising that they had not won a title prior to last season, as they have won three conference championships. Many WNBA fans will also find it hard to believe it is their first championship as they are one of the league’s original franchises.
Other Teams Have Made Drastic Changes
Whilst the New York Liberty have opted for continuity, others have chosen to make big changes to their roster. The likes of the Las Vegas Aces, Indiana Fever, Los Angeles Sparks, and Atlanta Dream have made big moves in an attempt to boost their championship odds. Atlanta Dream’s new additions Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones may take time to adjust to their new teammates. If they take long to adapt then it could hinder their chances of going deeper into the playoffs. It also isn’t beyond the realms of possibility that these teams’ new additions take time to gel.
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