THE Freedom of New York I wouldn’t have a championship without the contribution of Nyara Sabally, and I’m not even being dramatic.
Much of what happens in the WNBA Finals is about adjustments. It is the unspoken thing that is not sufficiently recognized. For example, when Chelsey Gray and Kiah Stokes were injured in the 2023 Finals, Becky Hammon threw a starting lineup with few minutes together and a defensive scheme that neither the Aces nor Liberty had ever seen — and it worked. Another unspoken series-changing adjustment happened in Game 5 on Sunday, and it had massive implications and a ringer.
With your back to the wall, Sandy Brondello went to her benchthrowing Nyara Sabally. Before Sunday, Sabally averaged just nine minutes and three points per game in the Finals. However, his buckets were still timely heading into the penultimate title game, and when the pressure was on, the 6-foot-5 center was DYNAMITE.
The former No. 5 overall pick played 17 minutes Sunday and gave up a career-high 13 points, including nine in the third quarter.
She also grabbed seven rebounds and made a backbreaking steal over Napheesa Collier during overtime, which ultimately helped close the door on the Lynx.
Cheryl Reeve might think differentlybut it was a coaching masterclass from Sandy Brondello. Sometimes you have to do unconventional but calculated things to have a chance at playoff glory.
We’re not talking about a Liberty championship without Brondello’s adjustment and Sabally’s unwavering confidence on the league’s highest stage. Let’s give to NYara — See what I did there? – his rightful flowers as the unsung hero of the series.
The whole arena singing Sabally 🥹 so proud of my little sister, she’s been through so much and deserves THE WORLDDDDDDD @nyarasabally
–Satou Sabally (@satou_sabally) October 21, 2024
No more WNBA!
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This article was originally published on For The Win: Liberty’s Nyara Sabally deserves her flowers for her heroic performance in the WNBA finals
