Liberty 92 - Storm 86 (8/5/2026): Stewart's Dominant 28 Points Seals Victory

The New York Liberty secured a hard-fought victory against the Seattle Storm with a final score of 92-86. The game, held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, saw the home team maintain their position in the Eastern Conference standings with their 19th win of the season. Despite Seattle's valiant effort, their record fell to 6-27 for the season.

First Quarter Highlights

New York came out strong in the first quarter, building a significant lead with a 27-16 score over Seattle. Breanna Stewart was instrumental in establishing the early advantage, contributing crucial baskets. The Liberty's defensive tenacity also played a pivotal role in limiting the Storm's scoring opportunities.

Seattle, while struggling to find their rhythm initially, started to find their footing late in the quarter. Dominique Malonga's presence in the paint was felt, as she hustled for rebounds and second-chance points. Despite their efforts, Seattle ended the quarter trailing by 11 points.

Mid-Game Momentum

The second quarter saw the Storm mount a comeback, outscoring the Liberty 27-20. Malonga continued to dominate with her scoring, finishing the game with an impressive 31 points and 10 rebounds. Seattle's improved shooting and defensive pressure helped them close the gap by halftime.

New York, however, managed to hold onto a slim lead heading into the third quarter. Rebecca Allen and Han Xu offered valuable contributions with their scoring and defensive plays. The Liberty's ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident as they entered the third with a 47-43 advantage.

Both teams matched each other point for point in the third quarter, each scoring 22. Breanna Stewart showcased her versatility on both ends, finishing the game with 28 points and 8 rebounds. Seattle's Flau'jae Johnson chipped in with 11 points, proving to be a critical asset for her team.

Final Quarter Showdown

In the final quarter, New York managed to slightly widen their lead, finishing the game with a 6-point advantage. The Liberty's accuracy from the free-throw line proved decisive, as they converted 19 of their 21 attempts, a stark contrast to Seattle's 7 of 11. The consistent execution of their game plan allowed New York to edge out the Storm in the closing minutes.

Seattle, despite a strong finish and 45.6% shooting from the field, couldn't overcome their early deficit. The Storm's inability to capitalize on more three-point opportunities, shooting only 31.8% from beyond the arc, further hindered their comeback efforts. Their performance, however, was a testament to their resilience and determination.

The Liberty's victory marked their third consecutive win, improving their home record to 10-5. This upward trend in their performance is crucial as they prepare for their next game against the Las Vegas Aces. Their capability to perform under pressure was on full display, setting a strong precedent for their upcoming games.

Seattle, on the other hand, continues to search for answers as their losing streak extends. With their next game against the Portland Fire, the Storm hope to regroup and break their unfavorable run. The performance of Dominique Malonga stands out as a silver lining, offering hope for future games.

As the WNBA season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances from this game. New York aims to solidify their playoff positioning, while Seattle focuses on finding a rhythm to close the season positively. The battle between these two teams was a showcase of talent and tenacity, underscoring the competitiveness of the league.