Brooklyn, NY—-When the New York Liberty gets Breanna Stewart going early, good things usually happens for the Libs. They found her early and got the result they desperately needed.
Stewart poured 28 points and grabbed 14 boards to help the New York Liberty (7-3) upend the Phoenix Mercury (2-8) 89-71 on Sunday at the Barclays in front of an announced sell-out crowd of 9,278.
The New Liberty jumped out to a 7-0 lead and set the tone for the game immediately. At the end of the first quarter the Libs were up 30-17 and just dominating in every phase of the game.
For the game, the Liberty shot 49.4% (30-62) from the field, 34.2% (9-26) from downtown, and 83.3% (20-24) at the free throw line. Stewart lead the way at the half with 23 points and the Libs took a 53-34 lead into the locker room.
Sabrina Ionescu was out due to a calf injury, Courtney Vandersloot who finished the game with 8 points and 6 assists ran their half-court sets flawlessly.
After the break, the Liberty poured it on and didn’t let their foot off the gas pedal. At the end of the third quarter the Libs had a 69-50 lead and were completely in charge of the game. They got a little sloppy with ball in the fourth but kept their composure to withstand the Mercury runs.
Phoenix wouldn’t not go away quietly cut the lead down to eleven points a few times but every time the Mercury made a run Liberty Marine Johannes or Jocelyn Willoughby made a three from downtown to maintain the distance.
Phoenix got 27 points from Sophie Cunningham and Breanna Stewart’s ex- teammate at UConn Moriah Jefferson chipped in 10.
Mercury stars Brittney Griner was out with an hip injury and Diana Taurasi was out due to an hamstring injury.
Up Next:
The New York Liberty will travel to Atlanta on Friday, June 23rd for a 7:30 P.M. start time.
