The Houston Comets defeated the New York Liberty to become the WNBA’s first champions in 1997. The victory marked the beginning of a dynasty, as the Comets went on to win three more consecutive titles.
A Team of Veterans and Rising Stars
Despite being predicted to finish last, the Comets featured a mix of seasoned players like Cynthia Cooper, who was 34 at the time, and younger talents such as Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson. Cooper, who would become a two-time WNBA MVP, led the team with exceptional performances throughout the season.
Overcoming Doubts
Fran Harris, a Comets player, recalled the team's reaction to being underestimated. "When we read that we were predicted to finish last, we thought it was hilarious," she said. The team used the doubt as motivation to prove their critics wrong.
The Road to the Championship
The Comets finished first in the Eastern Conference with an 18-10 record. In the playoffs, they defeated the Charlotte Sting and then the New York Liberty in the Finals, both by a single game. The championship was decided on August 30, 1997, just before the tragic death of Princess Diana.
Celebration and Legacy
Houston threw a parade for the Comets, and the city embraced the team wholeheartedly. "The whole city shut down and showed up for us," said Yolanda Moore. The 1997 title set the stage for the Comets' dominance in the early years of the WNBA.
