Brianna Stewart’s All-Star Announcement and Performance
On Tuesday morning, Brianna Stewart met with coach Chris DeMarco under the pretense of discussing the broadcast crew for the Commissioner’s Cup championship game happening later that night. Little did she know that the real news was about to unfold.
Just as their conversation began, DeMarco’s phone rang. It was Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, revealing that Stewart would be named an All-Star starter in Chicago this month.
Despite having achieved this honor seven times before, Stewart felt just as thrilled. “It’s an honor to be an All-Star,” she said shortly after the announcement of the starters. “Every time is special and shouldn’t be taken lightly.”
Even a decade into her career, Stewart continues to stand out as one of the league’s top performers.
Hours after receiving her call, she led the Liberty to victory in the Commissioner’s Cup, marking New York as the first team to win the tournament in more than one season.
Stewart’s performance was impressive—she scored 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, earning her the MVP title. Rival coach Becky Hammon couldn’t help but compliment her game. “I will always support Aja [Wilson], but Stewie is remarkable. She always makes winning plays,” Hammon said, acknowledging Stewart’s prowess on the court.
Stewart’s versatility allows her to thrive on both defense and offense, playing a key role in the Liberty’s strategies. The team’s success truly relies on such trusted leaders.
This season, Stewart is notching averages of 19.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. She’s also currently sixth in the league for blocks and tied for 12th in steals.
A two-time MVP, three-time WNBA Champion, and seven-time All-WNBA selection, her accolades speak volumes. Yet, coach DeMarco believes she remains somewhat underrated. “You have to earn it every year,” he said, expressing his pride in Stewart’s season so far.
Interestingly, some still underestimate Stewart’s impact. ESPN recently ranked her as the fifth-best player in the league, a decision that didn’t surprise her. “I think my game is definitely underrated according to ESPN,” she remarked, perhaps hinting at a broader conversation about player recognition.
Teammate Leonie Fievich also defended Stewart’s talent, stating, “To me, Stewie is the top player in the world. I’m grateful to have played alongside her.”
Stewart was the only Liberty player to receive the All-Star call this week, while Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu also put forth compelling cases but ultimately fell short in votes.
Coaches will announce the 12 reserve players on Tuesday, adding further excitement to the upcoming All-Star game.
