Ionescu Playfully Links Stewart’s Free Throws to SGA After Liberty’s Impressive Win

The New York Liberty continued their impressive start to the WNBA season with a thrilling 82-77 victory over the Golden State Valkyries, maintaining their undefeated record at 5-0. The Liberty, who are looking to defend their championship title from last year, showcased their depth and talent, with Breanna Stewart delivering a standout performance that had fans buzzing.

Stewart, a pivotal player for the Liberty, dominated the scoreboard with a remarkable 27 points. However, what truly caught the attention of both fans and analysts alike was her extraordinary ability to draw fouls, resulting in a staggering 19 free throw attempts throughout the game. She converted 15 of those, a testament to her skill at getting to the line and capitalizing on her opportunities.

In the post-game atmosphere, Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu couldn’t resist making a playful comparison between Stewart’s free-throw prowess and that of NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, known for his own knack for drawing fouls and earning trips to the charity stripe. As Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello discussed Stewart’s performance during the press conference, Ionescu interjected with a light-hearted mention of “SGA,” alluding to Gilgeous-Alexander’s reputation as a master of free-throw shooting.

The banter between teammates highlights the camaraderie within the Liberty squad, as well as their mutual respect for each other’s talents. It also underscores the level of play that Stewart has consistently maintained throughout her career. Drawing fouls and converting free throws is an art, and on this night, Stewart demonstrated just how effective she can be in that discipline.

Brondello, reflecting on Stewart’s ability to draw fouls, was asked if she had ever witnessed a player earning 19 free throw attempts in a single game before. While she may not have had a definitive answer, Ionescu’s cheeky reference to Gilgeous-Alexander certainly resonated, as he has been noted for his ability to “bait” defenders into fouling him, leading to a high number of free throw opportunities in the NBA.

The Liberty’s performance is not just a product of individual talent; it reflects a cohesive unit that understands how to leverage each player’s strengths. Stewart’s ability to draw fouls not only boosts her scoring but also puts opposing players in difficult situations, often leading to foul trouble that can derail an opponent’s game plan.

As the WNBA season unfolds, the Liberty are proving to be a formidable contender, with their sights set on another championship. With players like Stewart and Ionescu leading the charge, they are not only accumulating wins but also establishing a winning culture grounded in teamwork and mutual support.

The playful comparison by Ionescu serves as a reminder of the lighter side of competition, even as the stakes rise during the season. The Liberty’s blend of humor and high-level play is sure to keep fans engaged as they follow the team’s journey through the 2025 season.

Information for this report was gathered from multiple sources including www.cbssports.com.