Angel Reese hails New York Liberty's $152k player as X-factor in dramatic WNBA Finals win

The New York Liberty clinched their first-ever WNBA title with a thrilling 67-62 overtime victory against the Minnesota Lynx in Game 5 on Sunday. The edge-of-your-seat finale at Barclays Center in Brooklyn drew numerous celebrities, including Chicago Sky star Angel Reese.

Reese, sporting a half-Breanna Stewart, half-Napheesa Collier shirt, praised Liberty’s Nyara Sabally, calling her the X-factor in the game.

"SABALLY IS THE X FACTOR!!!" Reese said in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter).

Sabally, who signed a 3-year, $152,726 contract with the Liberty in 2023, delivered a crucial performance in Game 5. Coming off the bench, she scored 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, with all her attempts inside the arc. Sabally also contributed seven rebounds, one steal, and a block, playing a pivotal, game-changing role in the Liberty's victory.

Nyara Sabally thanks team for support amid injury obstacles

Nyara Sabally battled through immense adversity, tearing her ACL twice in college, missing her entire rookie season and being sidelined for parts of her second and third seasons. Her ability to come back and deliver such a standout performance in Game 5 was a true reflection of her perseverance and well-deserved triumph.

"Throughout the whole season, there's been unwavering support from Sandy and my teammates," Nyara said after the game. "This organization has always believed in me... they drafted me knowing I had to sit out a year... Every time I'm on the floor, my teammates have my back."

After the game, the German star was overcome with emotion and was comforted by her older sister, Satou Sabally of the Dallas Wings.

The Liberty relied heavily on Nyara Sabally's spark off the bench when they needed it most. Breanna Stewart and her squad found themselves in a tough spot, trailing by double digits at home in the decisive game.

Nyara stepped up, making key plays on both ends of the court. On a night when Sabrina Ionescu struggled, shooting just 1-of-19 from the field, including 1-of-10 from beyond the arc, and Breanna Stewart shot 4-of-15, it was Nyara's offensive surge that helped bring New York back into the game.