NEW YORK — Breanna Stewart had 33 points, seven assists and six blocks to help the New York Liberty beat the Los Angeles Sparks 98-88 on Saturday.
Sabrina Ionescu added 24 points and Kayla Thornton had 20 for New York (14-3), which has won 10 of its last 11 games, including the first meeting between the teams on Thursday 93-80.
Stewart made sure they’d sweep the two games. She had an incredible first half on both ends of the floor. Stewart scored 24 points and five assists to go along with five blocks. She became the first player in WNBA history to have over 20 points, five assists and five blocks in a half.
Stewart, who also had three steals, made eight of her 10 shots from the field in the opening 20 minutes.
New York trailed 31-23 early in the second quarter before the reigning MVP took over. Stewart outscored the Sparks 19-13 the rest of the period as the Liberty built a 54-44 lead at the half.
The Liberty put the game away in the third quarter and up 20, Stewart had a chase-down block on Stephanie Talbot that drew the crowd to its feet. That matched Stewart’s career-high of six blocks.
Dearica Hamby scored 20 points to lead Los Angeles (4-13).
MYSTICS 97, WINGS 69
WASHINGTON — Emily Engstler scored 10 of her career-high 23 points in the first quarter, Stefanie Dolson had her first double-double since 2022 and Washington beat Dallas, handing the Wings their 10th consecutive loss.
Engstler made 7 of 11 from the field, hit 3 of 4 from 3-point range and grabbed nine rebounds. Dolson finished with 16 points and a season-high 10 rebounds and Karlie Samuelson score 17 points for Washington (3-13).
The Mystics, who set a season high for points in a game, have won three of their last four following a 12-game losing skid to open the season.
Natasha Howard led the Wings with 19 points and Jacy Sheldon, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, scored a season-high 16 points. Arike Ogunbowale scored a season-low six points. She was averaging 25.4 points, second in the WNBA.
LYNX 73, MERCURY 60
MINNEAPOLIS — Napheesa Collier scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds Saturday night to help Minnesota beat Phoenix for their sixth win in a row.
Alanna Smith scored 14 points and Courtney Williams added 12 points and nine rebounds for the Lynx (13-3).
Natasha Cloud led the Mercury (8-8) with 14 points and five assists. Rebecca Allen scored 11 points and Brittney Griner added 10.
In a highly anticipated WNBA matchup, the Liberty faced off against the Sparks in a thrilling game that showcased the talent and skill of both teams. However, it was the standout performance of Liberty’s star player, Breanna Stewart, that ultimately propelled her team to victory.
Stewart, who is widely regarded as one of the top players in the league, put on a masterful display of basketball prowess throughout the game. From the opening tip-off, she dominated on both ends of the court, scoring points with ease and shutting down the Sparks’ offense with her tenacious defense.
One of the key factors in Stewart’s success was her versatility on the court. Standing at 6’4″, she has the size and strength to dominate in the paint, but also possesses the shooting touch and ball-handling skills to excel on the perimeter. This combination of skills made her a matchup nightmare for the Sparks, as they struggled to contain her all game long.
Stewart’s impact was felt on both ends of the court, as she not only scored a game-high 30 points but also recorded multiple blocks and steals to disrupt the Sparks’ offensive flow. Her ability to make plays on both ends of the court was crucial in helping the Liberty secure the victory.
In addition to Stewart’s stellar performance, the Liberty also received strong contributions from their supporting cast. Players like Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Howard stepped up in key moments, providing scoring and defensive support to help seal the win.
Overall, the Liberty’s victory over the Sparks was a testament to their talent and teamwork. With Breanna Stewart leading the way, they proved that they are a force to be reckoned with in the WNBA and are poised to make a deep playoff run this season. Fans can look forward to more exciting matchups and standout performances from Stewart and the Liberty as they continue their quest for a championship.