From 1-5 in the early rounds to WNBL champions, the Lady Celtics have authored one of the most remarkable turnarounds in league history. In a heart-stopping Game 3 finale, they edged out the Lady Eagles 63-61 in overtime, sealing a championship that once seemed out of reach.
The Eagles held a narrow 15-14 lead after the first quarter, but turnovers and missed chances allowed the Celtics to seize momentum, surging ahead 36-25 by halftime. With a game plan built on perimeter shooting and fast-break conversions, the Celtics extended their lead to 50-41 by the end of the third.
The final minutes were pure drama. The Eagles clawed back, cutting the deficit to 56-55, and after a late-game injury and missed free throws by the Celtics, they tied it at 59 with under 20 seconds left. A contested Celtics shot at the buzzer rimmed out, sending the game into overtime.
Exhausted but undeterred, the Celtics dug deep. Finals MVP Peatri-Ann Buchanan led the charge with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 7 steals. She was flanked by Dhanyel Johnson, who delivered a clutch 18-point, 14-rebound, 4-block performance, and Kalia Livingston, who added 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals.
Despite a heroic 31-point, 7-steal effort from Carissa Robinson, and solid support from Shaday Gordon with 14 points and 7 rebounds, the Eagles fell just short.
The Lady Celtics’ journey from last place to league champions is not just a Cinderella story—it’s a legacy in the making. 🏆✨
