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On the same day that Breanna Stewart was named the WNBA’s MVP for the second time, it was Sabrina Ionescu and a balanced effort from the New York Liberty’s supporting cast that carried the team to an 84-77 victory over the Connecticut Sun in Game 2 of the WNBA Semifinals.
Ionescu put up 21 points and five assists, Betnijah Laney added 20 points—including 15 in the second half—and Courtney Vandersloot contributed 19 points in the victory. All five starters put up double-digit points.
Stewart struggled from the field, scoring 11 points on just 3-of-13 shooting, but she added 11 rebounds, five blocks and two steals, making her presence felt on the defensive end.
New York Liberty @nyliberty
Stewie’s throwing a block party at @barclayscenter, y’all wanna come? 😮💨🙅♀️ @breannastewart pic.twitter.com/zswK3MzVYG
After the contest, fans and pundits alike were impressed by Ionescu, Laney and New York’s team effort:
Geoff Magliocchetti @GeoffJMags
Sabrina Ionescu the driver….it’s been to the Liberty’s advantage tonight #WNBA #LightItUpNYL
Shea Serrano @SheaSerrano
here comes sabrina 😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬
Jackie Powell (she/her) @ClassicJpow
Betnijah Laney has absolutely been the difference for the New York Liberty in the second half. She has 20 total points on 7-11 shooting. 5-7 from three. @alexaphilippou said right next to me that she’s made big plays at the right time. She’s not wrong.
Myles @MylesEhrlich
Betnijah Laney with her *fifth* triple, and she backpedals, smiling. Just an awesome game from B, who is up to 20 points.
Thomas Ashburn Jr. @thomastheauthor
This @nyliberty @ConnecticutSun series is fun but i think ultimately The Liberty will be too much. #WNBAPlayoffs
Myles @MylesEhrlich
Courtney Vandersloot is a *shooter* — she sidesteps a closeout and knocks down a deep two from the corner. Next possession, she draws the defense and finds Stewie at the wing for a three. The Liberty have extended to a ten-point lead, 72-62, with 7:05 to go. Sloot has 15.
The Crown #LightItUpNYL 🗽 @thecrownliberty
JJ carried us at the beginning.
Sabrina carried us in the middle.
Laney carried us at the end.
I am so proud of the effort and determination we showed to get the win tonight. We could have easily folded when we were down 30-18.
🗽 #WNBATwitter
The team effort spoiled Tiffany Hayes’ 30-point outburst, while leading scorer DeWanna Bonner added 19 points, seven boards and four assists.
And so the best-of-five series head back to Connecticut even at a game apiece, with Game 3 set for Friday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The Liberty undoubtedly have the advantage in star power and overall talent, though the Sun’s defense and physicality carried them in a 78-63 Game 1 win.
Connecticut coach Stephanie White called the Liberty an “offensive juggernaut” after that victory, though in Game 1 the Sun were able to slow down those fireworks. Even with Stewart struggling in Game 2, however, the Liberty rediscovered their offensive mojo.
Given Stewart’s ability to steal a game or two in a series all by herself, Tuesday’s loss is an ominous sign for the Sun.
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