WNBA coaching is often depicted as a close-knit camaraderie. Competition thrives and fades on the court. Respect is mutual and widely acknowledged. Nevertheless, it’s evident that New York Liberty’s Sandy Brondello and Minnesota Lynx’s Cheryl Reeve are growing weary of observing each other from the sidelines.
The last time these coaches faced off in a knockout game, their teams had different lineups. Liberty’s stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, proudly representing Team USA, were following Reeve’s instructions. Brondello and her Australian squad were on the opposing side. Despite the experience of the Opals, their talent couldn’t match up to the red, white, and blue. Reeve and Team USA advanced to the gold medal game, while Brondello and the Aussies settled for bronze. Now, less than three months later, Brondello found herself once again facing the WNBA Coach of the Year.
Forward thinking
To the untrained eye, Brondello’s coaching achievements may seem impressive due to her resources. With Stewart, Ionescu, and Jones on her team, winning might seem easy. However, when Ionescu shoots 1-for-19, Stewart shoots 4-for-15, and Jones shoots 5-for-10, securing a Game 5 victory requires exceptional game management.
One of Brondello’s key successes in Game 5 was her decision to empower New York’s role players—something Reeve struggled to replicate. Until Game 2, reserves from both teams had contributed less than 12 percent of the series total points. Games 3 and 4 followed a similar pattern. However, on Sunday night, Brondello recognized the importance of trusting her supporting cast as her star players struggled.
In the midst of her team’s inefficiency, Brondello turned to an unexpected player: Nyara Sabally. The German forward, who averaged just under five points per game this season, had scored only three baskets in the first four games of the Finals. Despite limited playing time in the initial games, Brondello saw potential in Sabally.
Realizing the need for size, Brondello introduced a rare lineup of three forwards—Sabally, Stewart, and Jones—coming out of halftime. At 6-foot-4, 6-foot-4, and 6-foot-6, the trio posed a challenge for Minnesota. Sabally capitalized on mismatches, scoring 13 points and grabbing seven rebounds on 71 percent shooting. Her presence also disrupted Minnesota’s defensive strategy, preventing mismatches on guards.
In a low-scoring overtime, Sabally made a critical steal and converted it into a transition layup, extending New York’s lead. This steal proved to be a game-changer, securing the victory for the Liberty.
While Sabally’s heroics deserve recognition, Brondello’s willingness to experiment with lineups ultimately led the Liberty to victory. Instead of relying solely on her star players, Brondello’s strategic decision-making and adaptability played a crucial role in clinching the championship.
