By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
After 28 interminable, protracted and disappointing years, the New York Liberty finally clinched its first Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Championship. In a classic slugfest where both teams won on the visitor’s floor, and tied at 2 games each, the fifth and final game was played at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Neither team shot exceptionally well in the lowest scoring of all the games, highlighted by Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu shooting a dreadful 1-19, the same Sabrina who scored the iconic 3 point shot to give the Liberty a 2-1 advantage, assuring a final game at home if necessary and indeed it was. Despite the poor shooting, both teams fought valiantly, played tenacious defense and forced an extra period, overtime. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, perturbed by the seeming disparity in fouls call, (25-17 – which impacted free throw shots and player disqualifications) became incensed when her player was called for fouling Breanna Stewart during a crucial, closing stretch of the game. Though the foul was indeed questionable, it appeared that Stewart actually traveled after catching the pass. Had that violation been called, the controversial play would have been negated. However, Stewart made both free throws, sending the game into overtime. virtually sealing the 67-62 victory and the New York Liberty’s first WNBA title, a huge sigh of relief for not only the players, coaches, management and owners, but also the whole of New York City.
Miami Dolphins Lose a Close One to the Colts
A great start doesn’t always guarantee a victory. The Dolphins’ strong first half performance on the road against the Indianapolis Colts wouldn’t or couldn’t be replicated in the second half in 16-10 loss that many thought Miami would win even without Tua. Tyler Huntley, who had performed admirably ( 7 of 13 passes completed for 87 yards and a touchdown, plus 5 rushes for 20 yards) in the first half, was ruled out of game with a right shoulder injury. Tyler’s injury made him the third Dolphins quarterback sidelined in ‘24. His replacement, Tim Boyle, entered the game in the second half and completed 6 of 13 for 74 yards.
The Dolphins were effective in the first half both running and passing, utilizing Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane and rookie Jaylen Wright and receivers Tyreek Hill, Jonnu Smith and Malik Washington but could only muster one touchdown and a field goal.
Colts talented quarterback Anthony Richardson from UF is still a work in progress as a pro and proved most effective as a runner when healthy.
The Dolphins led 10-3 at halftime, hoping to build on their performance in second half, but it wasn’t meant to be.
In the second half a Mostert fumble, recovered by Colts LB Segun Olubi, led to a rushing touchdown by Colts running back Tyler Goodson and a 10-10 tie.
Miami had a promising drive in the third quarter thwarted by a usually reliable Alex Ingold fumble. The quarter ended as it began- tied at 10.
Two Colts field goals sandwiched between time consuming drives and an unsuccessful 54 yard attempt by the Fins’ Jason Sanderson basically sealed the Dolphins’ fate, placing them in an untenable situation with a 2-4 record and tough division games on the road against the Bills and Jets.
