The New York Liberty has made history! After multiple game-changing plays and a tough overtime battle, the Liberty has finally snagged their first-ever WNBA championship with a 67-62 win over the Minnesota Lynx. And while Jonquel Jones took home the Finals MVP honors, fans have chosen another hero as they hoot for Nyara Sabally.

Well, honestly, they’ve got a point. The unexpected bench star did step up big-time at the most perfect time. Now, the fandom is ensuring she gets the love she deserves for her clutch plays. During the entire evening, Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu struggled to find their rhythm (Stewart with 2/7 field goal, Ionescu 1/19).

Hence, the bench had to step up. Thankfully, the 6’5 forward entered and put up 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting. She snagged seven boards and even threw in a steal and a block to keep the Liberty alive. The best part was that she not only came through in regulation but also had a massive layup in overtime.

But the finals MVP title was Jonquel Jones’ to take with 17 points and six rebounds. Those numbers say a lot, and she undoubtedly showed up. But if you ask the Liberty fans, they’ll tell you Sabally was the heart and soul of this Game 5 win. 

Fans call for Nyara Sabally to be named MVP

After the 24-year-old sealed the deal, fans went crazy. They wasted no time flooding social media with messages expressing their feelings. One comment, “F-k it…Nyara Sabally for Finals MVP”, shows how many were ready to toss aside formalities. 

The reaction especially fired up after she stuffed Lynx’s Napheesa Collier’s game-tying attempt in overtime. Before that, she extended the Liberty’s to 65 lead with a two-point shot, after stealing from Kayla McBride. Hence, another fan expressed, “Nyara for MVP bc she saved their a-s.” But do you know? This isn’t the first time the hooper has come in clutch. 

Back in 2023, in the game against Chicago Sky, she scored 14 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. And how can we forget the most recent seven-rebound, seven-assist game against the Dallas Wings in September 2024? 

Indeed, the Liberty forward has a history of rising to the occasion. In another reaction, “Nyara Sabally. You are my finals MVP👏🗽”, a fan expressed how stats don’t always tell the full story. It looks like Sabally’s last-minute hustle stayed with the audience and earned her MVP status in their eyes.

Similarly, “Nyara Sabally!!!!🤯🤯🤯 MVP” wasn’t just a call. It sounded like a passionate plea. Lastly, “Nyara Sabally better be the MVP” shows how much people wanted her to win the title. However, this won’t change the official outcome. 

She may not have won the trophy, but she’s definitely won the hearts of Liberty fans, who will remember this performance for years to come. Her performance has cemented her place in Liberty lore and fans’ hearts. After all, the WNBA star is not only a part of New York’s first-ever WNBA championship, but she’s also a fan-favorite hero.