Liberty Dominates Sun in Season Opener
The final score of 106-75 certainly tells part of the story from Friday night, but there was so much more happening on the court.
Brianna Stewart, as expected from a player of her level, showcased an impressive performance—scoring, rebounding, providing defensive stops. Really, she did it all.
This was just another instance of the all-around dominance that has characterized her career.
With Sabrina Ionescu sidelined due to a foot injury, and Sato Sabally out with a cyst, the Liberty faced quite a challenge. They were down to just seven players, prompting them to sign guard Julie VanLue and forward Aubrey Griffin with less than a day before the season opener.
Given the roster changes and the need to start the season on a strong note, the pressure was on the rest of the team to elevate their game. It was no surprise that Stewart stepped up.
She recorded her first double-double of the season, leading all scorers with 31 points, shooting 10-of-17 from the field, along with 10 rebounds, two assists, and three steals.
Her impact goes beyond mere statistics. Stewart is a respected figure in the locker room, known for her steady presence and leadership through both words and actions.
“Stewie was amazing all the way through,” said Bethnia Rainey Hamilton. “Her performance set the tone, helping to motivate us, especially with blocks and scoring—that’s what she does.”
Last season ended disappointingly for Stewart, who missed a month with a bone bruise in her knee. The Liberty struggled without her, and her return didn’t immediately resolve issues. Even managing to play through a sprained MCL in the first round, the team was still eliminated too soon for her satisfaction. Watching the WNBA Finals from her couch was a tough pill to swallow.
This season, she’s back healthy and driven.
“I feel like I’m returning to myself,” Stewart stated. “I’m not chasing any MVP title, but I want to give my best every year I play.”
Her performance on Friday set a high bar for the team moving forward.
While the Sun may not have been the strongest opponent—being a young team with most players born in the 2000s and likely heading for another season without playoffs—the Liberty aimed to make a statement from the start, with Stewart leading the charge.
She seemed to thrive in the space created by Chris DeMarco’s revamped offensive strategies, scoring 10 points on perfect shooting in the first quarter. Achieving over 30 points was significant for her, a feat she managed only twice last season.
Jonquel Jones noted that improved spacing on the floor allowed Stewart to shine.
“You see the paint opens up; you know where your teammates will be, allowing for better options. It gives us poise and confidence to attack like she did tonight—truly special,” Jones remarked.
For championship teams, it’s essential to have stars who set the tone for others to follow. On Friday, there was no missing the standard set by Stewart.
