Breanna Stewart scored a season-high 36 points to lead the New York Liberty to a 99-86 victory over the Minnesota Lynx on Friday, a statement win just days after the Liberty captured the Commissioner's Cup.
Stewart was instrumental from the opening tip, tallying 16 points in the first quarter on perfect shooting. She maintained her offensive pressure throughout the game, ensuring the Liberty would not suffer a "championship hangover."
The Lynx played without Napheesa Collier, who is recovering from offseason ankle surgery, and are awaiting the season debut of Dorka Juhasz, who is sidelined with a foot sprain.
Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve, who tied Mike Thibault's WNBA record of 379 career regular-season wins earlier in the week, will have to wait to pursue the record outright.
Despite the Lynx closing an 11-point deficit to three points in the second quarter, the Liberty responded with a decisive 13-2 run to regain a 10-point lead by halftime. Minnesota managed to get within eight points in the third quarter, but the Liberty maintained control.
Sabrina Ionescu contributed 17 points and six assists, stringing together another solid performance after a recent period of adjustment. "I love the compete level," Liberty coach Chris DeMarco said of Ionescu. "As she gets more comfortable out there and accustomed to more 5-on-5, she was out for a while … she’s playing really well."
All five Liberty starters reached double-digit scoring. Jonquel Jones recorded her sixth double-double of the season with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Pauline Astier added 14 points and six assists, while Leonie Fiebich scored 13 points. Rookie of the Year frontrunner Olivia Miles finished with 14 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Kayla McBride led the Lynx with 18 points and three steals.
The Liberty have demonstrated success against top competition this season, securing victories over the Las Vegas Aces twice, the Atlanta Dream, and now the Lynx, despite occasional struggles against lower-ranked teams.