PORTLAND, Ore. — The Liberty capped off a stretch of enjoying 4 video games in per week Thursday night time with a snug 100-82 win towards the .
New York (3-1) didn’t have an excellent first half. However a third-quarter assault, led by , allowed the Liberty to place the sport away for good.
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“We’re making an attempt to place collectively 40-minute video games,” coach Chris DeMarco stated after the win. “We didn’t have one of the best first half. I feel within the first quarter we had 5 turnovers. We completed with (12), so we tightened up within the second quarter after which it carried over to the third. And I believed Stewie was phenomenal, () introduced a ton of power as effectively, so it was good to have that type of second half.”
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A troubling but acquainted pattern had began to emerge within the Liberty’s first three video games. Just like a yr in the past, the Liberty had been struggling in third quarters.
Stewart stated the group needed to nip it within the bud — and it began together with her.
“When we’ve got the lead, realizing that the opposite group goes to return out and attempt to punch first, that’s on me,” Stewart stated after Tuesday’s gorgeous loss. “And I’ll get the remainder of the group actually able to go as a result of … we’ve struggled with this up to now and we don’t wish to have that proceed.”
Stewart made good on her promise Thursday. She talked to the group at halftime and emphasised the significance of beginning the third aggressively. She then led by instance.
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Stewart scored 11 of her team-high 22 factors within the first 10 minutes after halftime. Rookie Pauline Astier joined the onslaught, scoring seven of her 20 factors in that body, as she continues a powerful begin to her WNBA profession.
The Liberty outscored the Fireplace 31-16 in that quarter, entered the fourth main by 17 and held on to the top.
Breanna Stewart makes an attempt a shot throughout the Liberty’s 100-82 win over the Fireplace on Might 14, 2026 in Portland, Ore. NBAE by way of Getty Photos
New York unsurprisingly obtained its lick again after being on the dropping finish of the Fireplace’s first win in franchise historical past.
Fireplace coach Alex Samara anticipated this. Pregame, he predicted the Liberty would come out and play with desperation.
That’s not precisely what occurred — at the least early. The Liberty had been all out of kinds to start out.
Jonquel Jones and Pauline Astier rejoice after the Liberty gained on Might 14. Imagn Photos
Ailing-advised turnovers. Hesitation on offense. Missed photographs. Shoddy protection.
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New York scored simply 14 factors within the first quarter — its lowest output to start out a recreation this season — and trailed by six.
The beginning of the second quarter wasn’t a lot better than the primary. The Fireplace pulled forward by as many as 9 factors.
makes an attempt a shot throughout the Liberty’s Might 14 win. Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Photos
Then New York began to play its manner again into the sport. The Liberty took higher care of the ball. Pictures began falling. After going 2-for-9 from deep within the first quarter, the Liberty shot 6-for-14 from distance within the second quarter and led 39-37 at halftime.
The largest distinction from the primary quarter to the second?
“I feel simply in all probability executing the sport plan,” Jones advised The Put up. “(The Fireplace) additionally got here out with extra power than us, too, to start out the sport after which I feel we had turnovers, too, to start out. That was the principle factor, too — simply management the turnovers in order that we’ll be capable to really be capable to have the ball and never give them benefits offensively.”
Pauline Astier appears to maneuver the ball throughout the Liberty’s Might 14 win. Imagn Photos
The Liberty ran away within the third and by no means seemed again.
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Thirty-two of the Liberty’s 34 made subject targets had been assisted. Marine Johannes contributed a career-high 11 dimes.
Jones had six factors, 9 rebounds and three assists.
Alex Fowler, to a developmental contract, scored 12 factors on 4-of-7 capturing off the bench.
After enjoying each different night time to start out the season, the Liberty may have per week off to regroup. There’s hope that Ionescu (left foot) and (cyst) might return when their schedule resumes Might 21 towards the .
The Liberty are also anticipated to have extra reinforcements on the horizon with and Raquel Carrera probably one win away from capturing the Spanish League title.