Breanna Stewart leads New York to victory in back-to-back games

In a thrilling match on Sunday, the New York Liberty secured a hard-fought victory over the Atlanta Dream with a final score of 81-75. Breanna Stewart's impressive performance, contributing 22 points and 12 rebounds, played a pivotal role in the Liberty's comeback after a slow start. Stewart emphasized the team's resilience and commitment to their style of play, overcoming recent off days to regain their rhythm. The Liberty, with a record of 16-3, showcased their determination as they scored the first 10 points of the period, led by Stewart's free throw. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton added 18 points to the team's tally. Despite missing key players like Rhyne Howard and Aerial Powers due to injuries, the Atlanta Dream, under coach Tanisha Wright, displayed a strong effort but ultimately succumbed to fatigue as the game progressed. The match marked a significant moment for Liberty's Courtney Vandersloot, who returned to the starting lineup after a brief absence to be with her mother before her passing. Stewart and Vandersloot spearheaded the Liberty's rally from a 14-point deficit to close the first half at 41-36. The game highlighted the resilience and teamwork of both teams, setting the stage for future matchups in the season. Looking ahead, the New York Liberty will face the Atlanta Dream again, with the Liberty holding a strong record in Eastern Conference play. Key players like Sabrina Ionescu and Tina Charles are expected to play crucial roles in the upcoming games. With both teams showcasing their strengths and areas for improvement, the competition promises to be intense as they strive for success in the WNBA season.