Breanna Stewart led the New York Liberty to a 106-75 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Friday night [1].
The win establishes the Liberty as early contenders in the 2026 WNBA season, proving the team can dominate even when missing key personnel. The victory was particularly significant because the New York roster was depleted, missing star player Sabrina Ionescu [2].
Stewart delivered a dominant performance at the Barclays Center in New York City. She recorded 10 rebounds [3] and scored between 31 [1] and 33 points [3]. This performance marked her 16th career 30-point double-double [3], a milestone that ties her with Tina Charles for the second-most in WNBA history.
The Liberty controlled the game from the start, securing a 31-point margin of victory [4]. The offensive output of 106 points [1] highlighted a high-efficiency night for New York, while the Sun struggled to contain Stewart's scoring and rebounding presence.
Despite the absence of Ionescu, the Liberty displayed a cohesive attack that overwhelmed the Connecticut defense. The victory serves as a statement for the New York franchise as they begin their campaign in the U.S. professional league.
Stewart's ability to shoulder the offensive load ensures the Liberty remain dangerous regardless of roster fluctuations. Her climb up the all-time double-double list further cements her status as one of the most impactful players in the history of the sport [3].
“The Liberty secured a 31-point margin of victory.”
The result indicates that the New York Liberty possess a depth of talent and a primary scoring option in Stewart that can overcome the loss of a superstar like Ionescu. By tying a historical record in the season opener, Stewart has signaled that she is playing at a peak level that could dictate the trajectory of the 2026 championship race.
