New York Liberty All-Star Sabrina Ionescu playfully referenced NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a post-game interview following the Liberty’s intense 82–77 win over the Golden State Valkyries, and Breanna Stewart was the driving power.
She drew an unimaginable 16 fouls, which led to 19 free-throw makes an attempt. Stewart transformed 15 of them, shaking off a sluggish first half wherein she scored solely 9 factors. She roared again within the second half, scoring 13 within the fourth quarter and grabbing 5 rebounds within the ultimate stretch.
In the course of the post-game interview, head coach Sandy Brondello was talking to reporter Lucas Kaplan when Ionescu leaned into the mic. She softly stated “SGA,” then laughed and rapidly added, “simply kidding.” The joke was aimed toward Gilgeous-Alexander’s fame as a “free throw service provider.” This time period describes gamers who rating closely from the foul line quite than from the sphere. Critics have usually known as out the reigning MVP for this. In response to Statmuse, he has made 601 free throws this season, 96 greater than James Harden.
The sport itself was a back-and-forth battle. By the top of the third quarter, New York held a slender one-point lead. The Liberty opened the fourth with a 5–0 run, forcing Golden State to name a timeout. With simply over 5 minutes left, Stewart accomplished a three-point play to interrupt a tie. Valkyries sharpshooter Julie Vanloo answered immediately with a three-pointer. Moments later, Leonie Fiebich drained one other triple, swinging the lead again to the Liberty.
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Within the ultimate seconds, Natasha Cloud drove laborious to the basket. Her shot put New York up 80–77. The Liberty protection stayed sturdy, locking down Golden State and sealing the win.
Golden State slipped to 2–3 however confirmed clear enchancment. Simply two days earlier, that they had suffered a brutal 95–67 blowout loss to the Liberty. In the meantime, New York prolonged its unbeaten run to five–0 within the West, even with out injured stars Nyara Sabally and Jonquel Jones.
With this victory, the Liberty proved they’re a real power this season. They’ve proven they’ll win, even when lacking key gamers. Led by Stewart’s fierce inside sport and Ionescu’s regular management, New York appears primed for a deep playoff run.
Followers at the moment are daring to dream: may this lastly be the season when the Liberty elevate their first WNBA championship trophy? Because the season heats up, New York is shaping up because the group to look at.