Additional Coverage:
NEW YORK — Breanna Stewart showcased an exceptional performance with 33 points, 7 assists, and 6 blocks, guiding the Liberty to a 98-88 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday.
Sabrina Ionescu contributed 24 points, and Kayla Thornton added 20, propelling New York to its 14th win in 17 games. The team has now triumphed in 10 of its last 11 matches, including a recent victory against the Sparks last Thursday.
Stewart played a pivotal role in ensuring a back-to-back win against Los Angeles. She displayed her dominance early on, racking up 24 points, five assists, and five blocks by halftime. This achievement marked her as the first WNBA player to surpass 20 points, 5 assists, and 5 blocks in a single half.
Stewart, who also notched three steals, was on target with 8 of her 10 field goal attempts in the first 20 minutes.
Despite trailing the Sparks by eight points early in the second quarter, Stewart ignited a rally, scoring 19 points in the period. Her efforts matched Los Angeles’s total points for the quarter, shooting 5-of-6 and adding three blocks.
Thanks to Stewart’s contributions, New York managed to take a 54-44 lead into halftime. Stewart emphasized her intent to command the ball more aggressively post the early deficit.
The Liberty widened their lead to 20 points in the third quarter, highlighted by Stewart’s standout chase-down block on Stephanie Talbot, equalling her career-high and electrifying the crowd.
Stewart’s defensive prowess was on full display, with her stating the importance of making each shot challenging for the opponents.
Dearica Hamby led the Los Angeles Sparks with 20 points as they fell to a 4-13 record.
The Liberty were without guard Courtney Vandersloot, who has missed seven games due to her mother’s recent passing, although she rejoined the team warming up ahead of the game.
Coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged Vandersloot’s difficult period, indicating a gradual return for her. New York was also without Nyara Sabally and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton due to injuries.
Meanwhile, the Sparks faced injury setbacks with Cameron Brink out for the season and Azura Stevens recovering from surgery. Lexie Brown missed the game due to illness, leading Los Angeles to sign Queen Egbo under a hardship contract. Egbo, who arrived last minute, played wearing a jersey marked with number 44 and her name covered with white tape.
This report includes information from The Associated Press.