
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 15, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) drives past Las Vegas Aces center Kiah Stokes (41) for a layup in the third quarter during game three of the 2023 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Oct 15, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) drives past Las Vegas Aces center Kiah Stokes (41) for a layup in the third quarter during game three of the 2023 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Breanna Stewart delivered a star-studded performance at home, shifting the Aces’ winning momentum. Before this feat, the New York Liberty were constantly chastised for their efforts in the first two games of the Finals. Sandy, the head coach, received reproach for failing to produce a competitive performance. Despite having an elite squad that included 2023 MVP Breanna Stewart, 2021 MVP Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu, the third game of the finals was expected to be a swift finale to the series, with the Aces acing the championship. However, the Liberty prepared a solid defensive strategy for the game.
They controlled the defensive zone, preventing the Aces from scoring. Breanna Stewart, in particular, posed a serious threat to A’ja Wilson and company as she countered every offensive play from their side. When asked about the team’s comeback, Breanna said a few words about the power play they used in Game 3.
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Breanna Stewart exerts pressure on the Aces
Breanna Stewart and Co. were ready to repel any fast move from the reigning champs in the opening quarter. The Aces are well-known for their connectedness. Liberty created an excellent strategy for breaking the link. Breanna Stewart executed back-to-back rejections, putting further pressure on A’ja Wilson and Co.
This season’s Finals are greatly anticipated because of the showdown of two MVP candidates, A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. However, the first two games of the Finals Five disappointed fans. Breanna did not respond with any good plays against A’ja, but Game 3 at home changed the trajectory of the Finals as the Liberty gained their first blood.
Breanna had already scored 14 points when Holly Rowe came in for a brief interview and asked about the defensive momentum and how they had prepared for it. “We’re home,” Breanna said.
Playing at home fired up the Liberty for good as they pushed all of their adrenaline into the game, resulting in their most important triumph.
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Will the original franchise win for the first time?
The Liberty’s Game 3 Finals victory has rekindled the dreams of Liberty fans that their team would win the cup for the first time. The New York Liberty was one of the WNBA’s initial eight founding franchises. And their triumph on Sunday was their first Finals victory in twenty-one years. Their most recent Finals victory was in September 1999.

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WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA New York Liberty at Washington Mystics May 19, 2023 Washington, District of Columbia, USA New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart 30 encourages Liberty center Stefanie Dolson 31 and Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu 20 against the Washington Mystics in the third quarter at Entertainment & Sports Arena. Washington Entertainment & Sports Arena District of Columbia USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xGeoffxBurkex 20230519_gkb_sb4_069
The addition of Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones to The New York Liberty raised many expectations. Breanna filled the void of MVP this year. Though the Liberty’s performance in the first two games was disappointing, their comeback at home kept their final aspirations alive.
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Watch This Story:?Despite Donning LeBron James Mentality, A?Ja Wilson ?Hurts Like Hell? After Losing Historic MVP Status to Breanna Stewart
Fans now hope to see the Liberty’s winning momentum, as they’re highly anticipating Game 4 on Wednesday.
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