Breanna Stewart delivered 13 points, four rebounds and two assists by halftime Monday night, giving the New York Liberty a four-point lead in a game broadcast on USA Network.
Steward's role is central to the Liberty's offense and defense. Her ability to score, rebound and distribute makes her a key piece of how New York operates on both ends of the floor.
The Liberty recently snapped a losing streak with a decisive win against the Dallas Wings, a game in which Stewart posted an all-around performance that nearly reached a triple-double. That win marked a shift in the team's fortunes and halted a stretch of struggle.
New York also put together a 2-1 record on a recent road trip. Stewart addressed the team's focus and resilience during that stretch.
Back home, the Liberty faced the Los Angeles Sparks in a fiercely contested game and won 113-109. Stewart led the way, and Sabrina Ionescu played a critical role alongside her, forming a productive offensive tandem. The win pushed New York's record to 16-12.
Steward spoke about the team's mentality, pointing to the win over the Sparks as a display of the group's collective determination.
At 16-12 with tough wins against the Wings and Sparks, the Liberty have earned a legitimate spot in the WNBA playoff conversation.
