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          Ellie the Elephant steals the show at New York Liberty games

          Illustration by ESPN
          • Kalan Hooks, ESPNJun 30, 2024, 12:00 PM ET

          When fans attend a New York Liberty basketball game at Barclays Center, they can expect a good time.

          But when Liberty mascot Ellie the Elephant is around, the game environment turns into a party.

          Maddie the Mascot served as the Liberty's mascot prior to Ellie's arrival. In 2021, the 25th anniversary of the WNBA, the Liberty introduced Ellie the Elephant as the team's new mascot with a tie to New York's history.

          In 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge officially opened, with questions about the bridge's structural strength looming. Showman P.T. Barnum walked 21 elephants across the bridge to display its strength. Ellie's name originated as a tribute to Ellis Island, with the crown on her head serving as a representation of the Statue of Liberty.

          According to a news release, Ellie the Elephant serves as an "authentic connection" between Brooklyn, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

          Ellie's dance moves, halftime performances with recording artists and lifestyle separate her from the (relative) normalcy of other mascots.

          "The way Ellie be moving, only a soul sista can do that," Liberty forward Kayla Thornton said.

          Here are some of Ellie the Elephant's best moments.

          Lil' Ellie Kim

          Ellie the Elephant's halftime performances are mostly theme-based. She began to go viral on social media when she did a Lil Kim-themed halftime show against the Indiana Fever on May 26, 2023.

          Nicknaming herself "Lil' Ellie-Kim," she performed a mix with the rapper's feature on The Lox's "Money, Power & Respect," "Not Tonight," "Crush on You," "All About the Benjamins" and "Lighters Up."

          Ellie's performance caught the attention of the Bed-Stuy rapper, who joined Ellie during halftime against the Las Vegas Aces. Ellie did Lil Kim's signature dance before showering her with praise at the conclusion of the performance.

          Ellie shows Tyla how it's done

          Nearly a year after the song "Water" spread across social media platforms with its own dance, singer Tyla made an appearance to watch the Liberty take on the Chicago Sky.

          Tyla, who was sitting courtside just along the baseline, was greeted with a special surprise during Ellie's halftime performance. As the Liberty dance team moved and grooved to the singer's hit song, the routine turned into a tribute for Tyla.

          As Ellie & Co. started, Ellie performed Tyla's dance in front of the singer, as they shared a moment together.

          Elliyoncé

          Patterning herself after Grammy award-winning artist Beyoncé, Ellie the Elephant took Liberty fans to a Renaissance concert with an "Elliyoncé" performance.

          Ellie and her "Bookies" -- her entourage and dance team -- entered the court with shiny silver clothing before cueing up the singer's track "MOVE" to kick off the high-intensity performance.

          And one thing about Ellie -- she's going to be the center of attention in any show.

          Ellie's pregame arrivals

          Wherever Ellie steps foot, there's bound to be a show. But for her pregame arrivals, Ellie goes all-out.

          Ahead of the Liberty's matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks on June 22, Ellie and her Bookies took over the tunnel during pregame with an arrival routine most have never seen before.

          Dressed in all black, Ellie's Bookies led the way in step before striking a pose to set the tone for the Elephant. Once her entourage was set, Ellie took a steady stroll in front of the camera before deploying her folding fan that included an image of an elephant on it.

          And Ellie left no crumbs on the runway.

          Liberty All-Star guard Sabrina Ionescu was next up in the arrival line, but had to wait because Ellie had all camera lenses focused on her.

          "Let me give her her moment ... You got it. Go ahead, I'll wait," Ionescu told Ellie.

          After Ellie blew her kisses to the camera to make a grand exit from the runway, Ionescu shouted "It's my time now!" with excitement.