Brooklyn, NY — Breanna Stewart led the charge with 24 points as the New York Liberty cruised past the Golden State Valkyries, 95-67, on Tuesday night. The Liberty remain undefeated at 4-0, extending their regular-season winning streak to eight games.
Jonquel Jones added a double-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, helping the Liberty control the game from the outset. New York never trailed, asserting dominance early and building a 22-3 lead late in the first quarter.
Former Liberty forward Kayla Thornton, who was selected by Golden State in December’s expansion draft, scored 13 points to lead the Valkyries alongside Veronica Burton, who also had 13. Temi Fagbenle contributed 11 points off the bench.
Before tipoff, the Liberty honored Thornton with her WNBA championship ring in an emotional moment that drew a standing ovation from the Brooklyn crowd.
Marine Johannes was electric from beyond the arc, sinking six of 11 three-point attempts to finish with 18 points. Natasha Cloud orchestrated the offense masterfully, dishing out 10 assists as part of New York’s season-high 30 total.
The Liberty’s blistering start included Stewart scoring the team’s first nine points and draining an early three-pointer. Her pull-up jumper with just under three minutes left in the opening quarter capped a dominant run that left Golden State scrambling.
Golden State struggled mightily out of the gate, making just two of their first 15 shots. The Valkyries’ 10-point opening frame was their lowest first-quarter output of the season, and they trailed by 17 heading into the second.
Johannes caught fire in the second period, knocking down four triples to help New York take a commanding 48-29 lead into break.
The Liberty shot an efficient 50% from the floor (37-for-74) and drained 14 three-pointers. Their defensive pressure overwhelmed Golden State, forcing 14 steals and converting 32 points off turnovers in a lopsided victory at home.
