Stewart Shines as Liberty Triumphs Over Sun, 89-80

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — In a thrilling matchup, Breanna Stewart led the New York Liberty with 28 points, including a crucial putback with just 24.8 seconds remaining, as they defeated the Connecticut Sun 89-80 on Monday night. Han Xu made her WNBA debut as a starter, contributing 14 points in a significant performance.

Xu stepped into the starting role due to Jonquel Jones being sidelined by an illness. Jones, a former Sun player for six years, had her jersey number 35 retired by Connecticut prior to the game. The Sun managed to narrow the gap to 85-80 with 45.9 seconds left, their closest point in the fourth quarter, but Stewart's offensive rebound and subsequent putback sealed the deal for New York.

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton added 11 points off the bench for the Liberty, who have now secured five consecutive victories, improving their record to 8-4. For the Sun (2-11), Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Aaliyah Edwards each scored 15 points, marking their season highs. Saniya Rivers contributed 12 points, while Diamond Miller added 10.

Stewart’s three-pointer helped New York surge ahead at the start of the third quarter, taking a commanding 45-35 lead. Laney-Hamilton also made a three-point play late in the third, extending the Liberty's advantage to 65-53. Notably, Connecticut was without Brittney Griner (left rib strain) and Aneesah Morrow (left leg strain), while Sabrina Ionescu (back) missed the game for New York.

Looking ahead, the Liberty will face Atlanta on Thursday, while the Sun will travel to Toronto for their next game on Wednesday.