Liberty Stars Shine After Olympic Success

Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, fresh off their gold medal victory with Team USA in Paris, are quickly turning their attention back to the WNBA as they aim for the New York Liberty's first championship. The duo played pivotal roles in a tense second-half comeback against France, securing the United States' eighth consecutive Olympic title. Both players reflected on the emotional moments of the tournament, particularly Ionescu's experience at the opening ceremony and Stewart's poignant observation of teammate Brittney Griner during the medal presentation. As the Liberty (22-4) lead the WNBA standings, the team is gearing up for a demanding second-half schedule that includes 15 games in just 36 days. Ionescu emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum as they transition back to their regular season, acknowledging the challenge of regaining their previous rhythm after a month away from their team. Stewart echoed these sentiments, noting that while their Olympic success is a significant achievement, the focus must now shift to the WNBA playoffs. She highlighted the need for the team to quickly adapt and regain their competitive edge, especially after the emotional and physical toll of international play. With the postseason on the horizon, both players are eager to integrate back into the Liberty's lineup and continue their pursuit of a historic title, underscoring the importance of teamwork and preparation in the weeks ahead.