30 For 30 Season 5 Episode 8 Breakaway

Breakaway is an episode from season 5 of the Emmy-nominated ESPN documentary series, 30 For 30. This episode follows the incredible story of the 1995-1996 New York Liberty, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) team that defied expectations and inspired a generation of female athletes.

The season was filled with anticipation and excitement, as it was the first year of the WNBA's existence. The league was created to give women basketball players a professional platform to play on, and the New York Liberty were one of the eight teams that comprised the league in its inaugural season.

Their journey to the championship began with the draft, where the team selected Rebecca Lobo, a standout player from the University of Connecticut, with their first pick. Lobo was a popular and marketable player, as she had lead UConn to win a national championship and was also a member of the gold medal-winning USA Women's Basketball team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

However, Lobo was not the only star player on the team. The Liberty also had Kym Hampton, a pioneering player who had played overseas before the WNBA was formed, Teresa Weatherspoon, an All-Star point guard, and Sophia Witherspoon, an up and coming rookie.

Together, the team had a cohesive and supportive dynamic - something that was uncommon in professional sports at the time. The players were determined to make their mark on the league and pave the way for future generations of female athletes.

Their journey to the championship was not an easy one. The team faced challenges both on and off the court, including injuries, tough competition, and media scrutiny. However, they persevered and made it to the playoffs, where they faced the defending champions, the Houston Comets.

The Comets were led by Cynthia Cooper, a three-time WNBA MVP and one of the most dominant players in the league. The Comets had beaten the Liberty three times in the regular season and were expected to win again in the playoffs.

Despite the odds, the Liberty beat the Comets in a nail-biting series that went to a decisive third game. The Liberty went on to the WNBA finals, where they faced the Los Angeles Sparks.

The finals were a hard-fought battle between two talented teams. The Liberty ended up losing in the end, but their journey had already made history. They had shown that women's basketball was just as exciting and competitive as men's, and that female athletes were deserving of a professional platform to showcase their skills.

Breakaway not only tells the story of the New York Liberty's journey to the WNBA championship, but also explores the cultural and societal factors that contributed to the team's success. The episode features interviews with key players and coaches, as well as archival footage and photographs that capture the energy and enthusiasm of the era.

Overall, Breakaway is a compelling and inspiring story about a team that broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of female athletes.