Breanna Stewart Named WNBA MVP for the Second Time

Sit Down Interview with 2023 WNBA Kia MVP Breanna Stewart

In the closest three-way race in WNBA history, Breanna Stewart edged out Alyssa Thomas and A’ja Wilson for the league’s Most Valuable Player. Stewart is the first MVP in New York Liberty’s 27-year franchise history.

No. 30 Wins Her Second Career MVP Trophy

Less than seven hours before tipoff, the news became official, Breanna Stewart won the 2023 WNBA MVP. Edging out Alyssa Thomas and A’ja Wilson, Stewart is the first Liberty player in franchise history to win the award.

For the first time in 50 years, Stewart is the only professional basketball player to win the MVP in New York City.

In her inaugural season in New York, No. 30 averaged 23 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.6 blocks. She was second in points, behind Jewell Loyd, and third overall in total rebounds.

The forward helped lead the Liberty to their franchise-best 32-8 finish, in which New York placed as the No. 2 seed. In August, Stewart and the New York Liberty captured their first ever Commissioners Cup Championship against the Las Vegas Aces.

It’s her second time winning the league’s most valuable player in her seventh-year tenure in the WNBA. Stewart last won the award in 2018, in which the Seattle Storm captured their WNBA championship since 2010.

With 446 total points, Stewart averaged career-highs in points, assists, and offensive rebounds. In a close race, Stewart had nothing but praise for Wilson and Thomas. “It’s been an unbelievable season as a whole for the WNBA.

To see what all the top players have done is only going to continue to make this league shine brighter and be better, ” said Stewart. “AT [Alyssa Thomas] and A’ja [A’ja Wilson] had amazing seasons, just shows that you know, we’re reaching new heights, and we’re doing things that we’ve never done before.”

The New York Liberty Front Office Praises Stewart

“Stewie’s first season with the New York Liberty has been nothing short of historic on every level,” said Liberty General Manager Jonathan Kolb.

“The constant resiliency, belief, selflessness, toughness, and professionalism she has brought to the Liberty on a nightly basis is an incredibly rare combination – culminating in such a special season, both personally and collectively,” General Manager Jonathan Kolb told reporters in a press release.

Prior to game two against Connecticut, Breanna Stewart arrived at the Barclays Center with family, alongside WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

Present was her daughter, Ruby, along with her Wife, Marta Xargay. In a packed media room, her teammates were in attendance, including coach Sandy Brondello, and Liberty owners Joe Tsai, and Clara Wu Tsai.

“The Liberty have come a long way since I joined the league, in building a true championship mentality”, Engelbert told the press. “Back in February, when Stewie [Stewart] took advantage of free agency to begin a new journey, she said, I decided to go New York because I want to continue to be great.” With those words, Stewart held up her promise and commitment to continue greatness in addition to transforming the WNBA.

Shortly after receiving the MVP trophy, Stewart accredited the organization, along with her coaches, and teammates. “I’m grateful for my teammates, my coaches, and our front office [Claire Wu Tsai, Joe Tsai].”

Breanna Stewart Credits Her Wife, Daughter, and Family

Back in 2018, when Breanna Stewart won her first WNBA MVP, her life was drastically different. She was settled in Seattle, at the beginning of her career.

Five years later, Stewart has a strong foundation that surrounds her, including wife Marta Xargay, her daughter Ruby, and another child on the way.

With her father and grandparents present, Stewart elaborated on the importance of family, and what it means to share this moment with her daughter, Ruby.

Ruby stole the night during Breanna Stewart’s MVP acceptance speech ❤️#wnba #morethanagame pic.twitter.com/gBkYKAt4LW
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) September 27, 2023

“To be a role model to you, Ruby is really what keeps me going. And today, you get to see your mommy win MVP.” Stealing the spotlight, Ruby remained at the podium in Stewarts arms.

A few moments later, Ruby stole the show, sporting No. 30 on the back of her shirt.

“We’re just going to be up and down, Parenting is hard,” said Stewart. Much of the media was sent into laughter after that statement. “With parenting, you’re thrown a lot of curveballs, and you never know what to expect,” said Stewart. So today was an emotional day, a happy day.”

Breanna Stewart described this day as “emotional,” which started with a phone call from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “The moment I told Marta, was emotional for both of us, just because, as a former player, she [Marta Xargay] knows what it takes to be great. To be able to balance both, I wouldn’t be able to do it without her, ” Stewart told the press.

With tears visible, Stewart stated “It was a moment for us to celebrate it all, and you know, let our emotions flow freely. I wouldn’t but able to do this without her.” She expressed that having her wife and daughter present at that moment meant the “world to her.”

She Wants to Set an Example for Ruby

“Having a wife, and having a family, is understanding, that you know, there’s so many things that happen throughout a basketball game– good, bad, turnovers, miss shots. Look who I get to come home to.”

Throughout her acceptance speech, Breanna Stewart made her daughter Ruby, the focal part of the night. With her second MVP award, came several changes, both on and off the court.

“I think motherhood has given me perspective,” mentioned Stewart. “Wanting to be great for them, and show Ruby that if she wants to play basketball someday, then these can be her goals, or whatever she wants. “

Stewie Always Strives for Greatness

Congrats @BreannaStewart 1st @WNBA MVP in @NyLiberty history!
Some of her games this season 45 PTS, 12 REB, 6 3PT 43 PTS, 12 REB, 6 AST 42 PTS, 6 AST, 5 3PT, 3 BLK, 3 STL 38 PTS, 11 REB, 6 3PT 28 PTS, 14 REB, 7 AST 21 PTS, 6 REB, 6 STL, 4 BLK pic.twitter.com/piZzgRLNaK
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 26, 2023

Breanna Stewart has always expressed the importance of being great, from her high school days, throughout her UConn career, into the WNBA. When signing with the New York Liberty this offseason, Stewart implied she wanted to continue her greatness in New York.

“Since I entered this league, I probably demanded more of myself than anyone, and I want to be great everyday.” Stewart insisted she’s always had greatness instilled in her, since she “was a tall lanky kid growing up in Syracuse, New York.”

“I want to be an example to Ruby about what it means to approach life with the humility and grit necessary to lead teams to help others be great, and to win at things that matter the most.”

In her illustrious career, Stewart is a 2x MVP, 2x WNBA Champion, 2x WNBA Finals MVP, 5x All-Star, 4x NCAA Champion, 2x WNBA Commissioners Cup Champion, and a 2x Olympic gold medalist.

In addition to her several accomplishments, Stewart has several accolades overseas. She is a 2x EuroLeague Champion and EuroLeague regular season MVP.

“To all the players, we make each other great by showing up to compete every night and by standing together through adversity. Being a two-time MVP of the league, and the first to the award home to the Liberty, a franchise whose legacy is built by players whose shoulders I stand on.”

In her first season in Brooklyn, Stewart set a WNBA single-season record with four 40 points games. Her 919 total points scored is second all-time in a single season.

The MVP had five 35-point games, which ties the single season record. In 40 games, Stewart tied the franchise record for twenty double-doubles, and had the most 40 point, 10 rebound games in history.

Breanna Stewart is the First Player in Liberty Franchise History to Win MVP

1-of-1. Check her resume. 🤷‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/uIRivBhuV3
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) September 26, 2023

Prior to Tuesday’s matchup, coach Sandy Brondello praised the MVP for her hard work and leadership within the organization.

“We are all very emotional, very proud of Stewie [Stewart] to be named MVP today,” Brondello told the press. “It was so close, and we have so much respect for the other players. To be the first New York Liberty player to win MVP– that’s amazing.

Although the Liberty were focused on game two against the Connecticut Sun, Coach Brondello was sure to take in this special moment in as second-year head coach of the Liberty.

“I try to just embrace the moment because it is special. It’s very hard to achieve an MVP, you know it is tough,” said Brondello.

When asked how the team balanced the news so close to a playoff game, Brondello stated the team is experienced, and knew they had to win regardless.

“I think you know, we have an experienced team, and we know we need to win. It was very emotional for the team. We put it [MVP tribute video] on the big screen in the arena today and it was just great to share that moment with her.”

Coach Brondello mentioned the team knew what was at “stake,” and wanted to have a much better game. With Stewart winning the MVP so close to tip-off, the Liberty were able to capture that moment with their fans.

Stewart’s Impact on Her Team is Colossal

The moment the Libs found out Stewie got MVP was EVERYTHING 😭 pic.twitter.com/O0XsnYcNYB
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) September 27, 2023

If there’s one thing to know about Breanna Stewart, she isn’t great by luck. As the team watched the MVP tribute in the arena, they showed camaraderie and emotion. Through covering the Liberty all season long, Stewart’s teammates adore and admire her.

In a tweet by Stefanie Dolson, she describes No. 30 as “humble, incredible, and deserving.” Dolson is reunited with Stewart after winning two national titles together at the University of Connecticut.

“The way that she prepares for the game, it’s not two hours before the game. It’s as soon as she wakes up. The activation, the pilates, the yoga, what she eats, she’s very disciplined,” said Brondello. “Her greatness is not by accident. That rubs off on all the players. Her leadership, she does it by action, but she will also speak up too.”

“We are very happy to have her in New York, obviously we wouldn’t be here today. We’re very grateful for that. She believes in the organization and the vision that we had.”

Stewart finished with 11 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks, and two steals in New York’s game 2 win over the Sun.

Post game, Jonquel Jones praised Stewart. Previously Jonquel Jones, along with several teammates expressed their desire for Stewie to win MVP.

“That’s just what she does, you know, and that’s why she’s an MVP. She can affect the game in so many ways, in so many different ways,” said Jones. “Her mindset is always right, and it’s not just about scoring. There’s many different ways that she can help the team out and lead by example.”

Stewart Thanks the Fans

Stewart is extremely proud to win the award, despite tearing her achilles while overseas and taking risks. She thanked the people that voted for her, but also the ones that didn’t cast their ballot for her.

She stated the “business doesn’t go on without the fans,” and was “excited to share the it [MVP] with the fans.”

No. 30 specifically touched upon the energy the fans bring at the Barclays Center, and how much that means to her. “We have to really use the energy behind our fans and our crowd.”

In a historically tight race, Breanna Stewart had a total of 446 points, Alyssa Thomas with 439, and A’ja Wilson with 433 points. All three players were incredible, impactful, and deserving of the award.

The WNBA MVP race this season was CLOSE 😳 pic.twitter.com/9rx8ScxdIf
— ESPN (@espn) September 26, 2023

Breanna Stewart, just in her seventh season, has morphed into one of the most elite women’s basketball players of all time. With her future bright in New York, Stewart still has plenty of accolades and accomplishments to add to her resume.

Her leadership, and dedication on and off the court is paving the way for the younger generation.

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Jay Jones

WNBA Womens Sports
Angel Reese Sets WNBA Double-Double Record
**Angel Reese, selected seventh overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft, stands out as the lone rookie averaging a double-double this season.**
For those who questioned Angel Reese’s fit in the WNBA, her performance has silenced skeptics and affirmed her status as a rising star in the league. Today, she made history that underscores her potential to become one of basketball’s all-time greats. Beyond her dominance on the court, Reese is also turning heads with her fashion sense, undeniable charisma, and unwavering self-assurance, which translate beautifully into her gameplay.
In the Chicago Sky’s camp day victory, a score of 83-72 against the Dallas Wings, Reese recorded a career-high 18 rebounds alongside 16 points. With two steals added to her stats, the player dubbed “Chi-Town Barbie” achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first rookie ever in WNBA history to notch seven consecutive double-doubles. Eight of her rebounds were on the offensive glass, contributing to Chicago’s impressive 48-22 advantage in points scored in the paint. Just a week prior, she had set a new personal best with 20 points against the Connecticut Sun, finishing this latest game at a +17 efficiency while shooting 7-for-13 overall.
Although the Dallas Wings faced injury challenges, their head coach, Latricia Tramell, opted for a larger lineup. With Natasha Howard returning under a minutes restriction, Reese took full advantage of the matchup, showcasing her talent against formidable opponents like Howard, Monique Billings, Teaira McCowan, Morgan Bertsch, and Stephanie Soares—none of whom are shorter than 6 foot 2. Her extraordinary performance is a testament to her skill set, particularly against a Dallas team that ranks second in the league for points scored in the paint. Winning in the WNBA is no small feat, particularly when competing against players towering 6 foot 5 and taller.
In a post-game interview, Reese revealed that she had studied extensive film on Dallas, emphasizing her willingness to do the hard work for her teammates. “I’ll step in, I’ll mess up my nails, lashes, and stuff like that, just for my teammates,” Reese shared in a social media post from the Chicago Sky. She embodies the qualities every franchise covets in a cornerstone player: heart, grit, and hustle.
Reese’s impressive statistics now place her among the legendary figures who paved the way for women’s basketball, such as Sylvia Fowles, Elena Delle Donne, and Candace Parker. With ambitions to surpass Fowles’s season offensive rebounding record, Reese is already third in the league in rebounds, leading all rookies with a total of 68 offensive boards, outpacing elite players such as A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and Alyssa Thomas.
During the broadcast, Reese emphasized her close relationship with Fowles, reiterating her commitment to victory. “I just want to do whatever it takes to win, and rebounding is what I do to win,” Reese expressed following the game.
With her seventh consecutive double-double, Reese is having a historic rookie season and is on track to break Fowles’s records as she continues to excel at just 22 years old. At halftime, she had already secured 11 rebounds and eclipsed previous records held by Cindy Brown and Tina Charles. Currently, she boasts averages of 12.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, making her the only rookie to reach double figures this season. Following the unfortunate injury to Cameron Brink, Reese has distinguished herself in her rookie class.
The Sky entered this game on a rough stretch, having lost four consecutive outings against the Dream, Sun, Mystics, and Fever. However, Reese and her teammates delivered an electrifying performance at Chicago’s annual Camp Day, where many young fans experience their first WNBA game. Engaging with thousands of children in the crowd, Reese expressed her joy in clinching a victory. “Man, I’m just happy we finally won,” she told ESPN. “I’m excited to be in this league, and win some more.”
Currently second overall in points behind Caitlin Clark, Reese leads all rookies in rebounds per game, free-throw attempts and makes, field goals attempted and made, and steals. Her accomplishments make a strong case for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award.
While other players also earn attention, it’s essential not to overlook Reese, a bona fide national champion and standout during her four years at LSU under the guidance of coach Kim Mulkey. Drafted alongside fellow Gamecock legend Kamilla Cardoso, there were questions about how the two would fit into Teresa Weatherspoon’s front court. Despite some media controversies, Reese consistently puts up impressive numbers.
Standing at 6 foot 3, Reese has recorded double-doubles against notable teams like the Fever, Mystics, Sun, Dream, and Liberty. Out of those seven games, three teams rank among the top five in rebounding. Today, she exhibited relentless aggression, creating numerous second-chance opportunities. Developing her mid-range and outside shooting game would elevate her to a true triple threat.
Eager to continue improving, Reese is a legitimate contender for Rookie of the Year, thriving by consistently making winning plays.
With a season record of 5-9, Reese and the Chicago Sky look ahead to their next challenge against the Indiana Fever at home this Sunday evening.
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WNBA Womens Sports
Introducing the 2024 US Women’s 3×3 Olympics Team: Brink, Burdick, Howard, Van Lith
Introducing the USA Basketball 3x3 Women's National Team
The American Basketball organization has announced the starting lineup for the 2024 Women’s National 3×3 squad.
Featuring the talented Cameron Brink as a standout, the team will also boast the skills of Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick. Chosen by a selection panel, the Olympic Games are set to be held in Paris, showcasing what promises to be an exceedingly powerful, adaptable, and all-rounded team.
Just a year prior, Brink, Van Lith, and Burdick guided the USA team to victory at the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Cup, securing the gold medal. With a mix of experienced and emerging talents, team cohesion is expected to be even stronger. Van Lith and Burdick, in particular, have been playing alongside each other since the 2022 World Cup.
The announcement of the players selected for the team was met with profound emotional displays across various social media platforms.
At 22, Brink, who was the Los Angeles Sparks’ second pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has consistently performed during her freshman season. With Stanford as her alma mater, Brink’s averages include 8.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Renowned for her defensive capabilities, her professional performance has lived up to expectations.
Ranking second in the WNBA for total blocks (21) and leading new recruits in that domain, Brink also stands third among her rookie peers for rebounds. As a highly regarded defensive anchor in the league, she excels in defensive boards per contest. With an average of 2.6 blocks per outing, her defensive acumen will be pivotal in the 3×3 format.
After achieving a personal best of 21 points in a recent game against the Fever, the Stanford graduate was honored as the MVP of the 2023 3×3 FIBA World Cup, having steered her team to the top podium. She also played in the 2018 FIBA U17 and 2019 U19 Women’s World Cup teams.
Expanding her team’s offensive options, Brink offers spacing on the floor and can both shoot from the distance and engage in post-up moves. A crucial element will be her prowess in seizing the offensive rebounds.
Introduced at the Tokyo Games in 2021, the 3×3 basketball format promises a riveting yet demanding style of play. Rizzotti and the team are gearing up for their inaugural run in Paris, with the events slated to commence at the twilight of July, stretching into early August.
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WNBA Womens Sports
WNBA Players of the Week: A’ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu
Week 3 Western Conference Player of the Week: A'ja Wilson
MVP Periodt and the Sovereign of Brooklyn are dominating WNBA news.
A’ja Wilson from the Las Vegas Aces and Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty have undeniably made an impression, influencing the game within and outside the bounds of the court. Formerly competitors in the 2023 WNBA Finals, they have now claimed the titles of Eastern and Western Conference players of the week.
Ionescu is partnered with Nike and recently unwrapped the Sabrina 2s just last month. Around this coinciding period, Wilson disclosed her inaugural shoe, the Nike A’One, slated for a 2025 launch. Wilson now stands alongside Ionescu as one of the trio of active WNBA athletes boasting their own exclusive footwear lines.
Not even a full two months into the current season and Wilson as well as Ionescu are exerting considerable influence on their respective squads’ performances.
Despite Wilson’s impressive credentials as a two-time WNBA Champion, MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year, she hasn’t overlooked that one time she was ranked fourth by an MVP voter. And with reason, she perpetuates her response to the skeptics with stellar displays on the basketball court.
A’ja Wilson is once again performing at an MVP level
Off to a blistering start, the Aces star added eight blocks and three steals in both matchups against the Atlanta Dream and Minnesota Lynx.
4-2 on the season, Becky Hammon and the Aces suffered a rare 78-74 against the Dream on the road. However, how can we forget Wilson’s unforgettable block on good friend Allisha Gray? It may not have traveled into the concession stand but was a statement block.
On pace for another historical season, Wilson started off the season with five straight double-doubles, owning the longest streak of 20+ points and 10+ rebounds in WNBA history. The league leader in blocks with 12.4, Wilson boasted 29 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and four blocks against the Lynx. And a few days later, she put up 28 points, three assists, one steal, and four blocks against the Dream. Over the two games, Wilson shot 46.1 percent from the field.
Earning the weekly award for the 17th time in her career, Wilson has elevated her game significantly. Through six games into the 2024 season, the Aces star is averaging career-highs in points (26.5), rebounds (12.5), and blocks (2.8). Leading the league in player-estimated impact, Wilson is already poised as one of the all-time greats ever to grace the game.
Sabrina Ionescu’s game has evolved beyond the three-point shot
Nearly 21 percent (31) of Ionescu’s 146 field goal attempts have been delivered as driving layups and floating bank shots. Compare this to last year, where she only attempted 17 floater shots. More confident than ever, the California native averages the most points since her rookie season, with 17.9 points per game. Given she only played three games in her first season, it’s a testament to the dedication, growth, and evolution of her game.
Ionescu started off the week with a game-high 22 points, six rebounds, and nine assists against the Phoenix Mercury at home. According to Liberty PR, Ionescu became the first player in franchise history to record double-digit points with at least five assists in a single quarter (10 points and five assists).
Just a few days later, No. 20 poured in 24 points, one rebound, three assists, on 50 percent three-point shooting against Washington at the Barclays. To end the week, the former Oregon star put up 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists in front of 17,000+ fans against the Indiana Fever.
The Las Vegas Aces (4-2) are set to match up against the Dallas Wings, Seattle Storm, and Los Angeles Sparks this week. The New York Liberty defeated the Chicago Sky 88-75 on Tuesday night, and will matchup with Atlanta, Connecticut, and Washington later this week.
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