New York Liberty defeats Los Angeles Sparks 98-88 to win its eleventh straight game

On Saturday, Breanna Stewart led New York Liberty to a 98-88 victory over Los Angeles Sparks with 33 points, seven assists, and six blocks. For New York (14-3), which has won 10 of its previous 11 games, including their first encounter on Thursday, 93-80, Sabrina Ionescu added 24 points and Kayla Thornton scored 20.

Stewart ensured that they would sweep the two games. She had an outstanding first half on both ends of the court. Stewart recorded 24 points, five assists, and five blocks. She became the first player in WNBA history to have more than 20 points, five assists, and five blocks in a half.

New York Liberty trailed 31-23 early in the second quarter before the reigning MVP seized over. Stewart outscored the Sparks 19-13 the rest of the session, giving the Liberty a 54-44 advantage at the intermission. In the third quarter, with the Liberty leading by 20, Stewart made a chase-down block on Stephanie Talbot that brought the audience to its feet. This equaled Stewart's career high of six blocks.

Injury worries both the teams

Stewart, who had three stealing, hit eight of her ten field goal attempts in the first 20 minutes. Thornton made a career-high six three-pointers, including five in the second half. New York was still without guard Courtney Vandersloot, who had missed seven games to be with her mother, who died over the weekend. Vandersloot returned to the squad on Saturday and warmed up before the game.

Los Angeles is dealing with its injury concerns, with Cameron Brink out for the season due to a ruptured ACL in her left knee and Azura Stevens still recovering from surgery on her left arm. Lexie Brown was also sidelined with an illness, so the Sparks signed Queen Egbo to a hardship contract. Egbo came to New York late yesterday night, with little time to prepare a personalized jersey, so she wore little. 44 with white tape over the jersey name.