28
May
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Uh-oh. Sandy Brondello has Liberty cookin'
Australian head coach Sandy Brondello of the New York Liberty reacts in the first half in the game between the New York Liberty and the Golden State Valkyries at Barclays Center on May 28, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The New York Liberty defeated the Golden State Valkyries 95-67. Photo: Elsa/Getty Images
Highlights
Breanna Stewart has 24 points as New York Liberty crush Golden State Valkyries 95-67
- Australian head coach Sandy Brondello's New York Liberty are unbeaten to start their title defense
- Australian Steph Talbot grabbed six boards and dished two assists
- The Valkyries are 2-2 in their first season in the WNBA
New York Liberty (4-0) dominated Golden State Valkyries (2-2) 95-67 at Barclays Center on the back of Breanna Stewart's stellar 24-point performance, maintaining the defending champion Liberty's perfect season start while handing the Valkyries their second loss.
Australian Opals head coach Sandy Brondello has the Liberty absolutely cooking while Opals star Steph Talbot hand her hands full for the Golden State Valkyries.
Talbot started and played 24 minutes but scored just two points one two shots but grabbed six rebounds and had two assists.
Key Details
- Result: New York Liberty 95 def. Golden State Valkyries 67
- When: May 28, 2025
- Where: Barclays Center, New York
- Standings: New York (#1) | Golden State (#6)
By the Numbers
- Breanna Stewart (New York) starred with 24 points, one rebound, three assists, and three steals in 27 minutes.
- Kayla Thornton (Golden State) scored 13 points, and had six rebounds, four steals in 28 minutes.
What Happened
The Liberty established a commanding presence early, racing to a 27-10 lead in the first quarter behind Stewart's efficient scoring. The Valkyries struggled to find rhythm, shooting just 33.9 percent from the field throughout the contest while the Liberty maintained control, holding a comfortable 48-29 advantage at halftime.
Golden State showed signs of life in the third quarter, outscoring New York 22-19 as Veronica Burton contributed several key baskets. However, any momentum gained was quickly extinguished when Marine Johannes caught fire in the fourth quarter, connecting on six three-pointers for 18 points and extending the Liberty lead to as many as 30 points.
Stewart led all scorers with an outstanding 24 points on 10-from-14 shooting, while Jonquel Jones recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. The Liberty's balanced attack featured five players scoring eight or more points, with Johannes providing a stellar 18-point spark off the bench.
The Liberty showcased their elite ball movement, recording 30 assists on 37 made field goals, with Natasha Cloud dishing out 10 of those assists. Defensively, New York forced 20 Valkyries turnovers, converting them into 26 points while registering 14 steals.
New York's dominant performance extended their perfect start to 4-0, firmly establishing themselves as the team to beat in the WNBA's early season standings. Golden State falls to 2-2, sitting in sixth place and needing to regroup quickly after this lopsided defeat.
