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via Imago

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The New York Liberty won an exciting overtime matchup to advance to the WNBA playoff semifinals for the first time in an incredible eight years. Tuesday night’s game between the Liberty and the Washington Mystics ended with a final score of 90-85, mostly because of Liberty’s beloved Breanna Stewart. The Liberty’s playoff run had been anything but easy; their most recent series victory had occurred back in 2015. They struggled through a game that was an emotional rollercoaster. However, Stewart came through for the Liberty, scoring 27 points to help her team win.

Meanwhile, the game was graced by WNBA Legend Sue Bird, Jason Sudeikis, Carmelo Anthony, and Mikal Bridges.

A star-studded WNBA Game

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The Liberty’s victory over the Washington Mystics was more than simply a win. This triumph served as the Liberty’s long-awaited atonement for being eliminated in the first round the previous two years. It was New York’s best player, Breanna Stewart, who shone the brightest on the court.

The team’s devoted fans were treated to an overtime showdown that ended with a final score of 90-85. Stewart, who had previously guided the Seattle Storm to two titles, proved her exceptional abilities by tallying a staggering 27 points to give the Liberty the victory.

Further heating up the game, there were many famous people in attendance. Billie Jean King, a tennis champion and pioneer in women’s sports, honored the event with her attendance, as did Malala Yousafzai. There were still more A-list guests to add to the excitement. WNBA Champion Sue Bird was a notable presence at the game. NBA veteran Carmelo Anthony joined the arena with his son Kiyan Anthony. Brooklyn Nets player, Mikal Bridges was also in attendance.

Following the Liberty’s victory, Carmelo Anthony, hailing from New York, exchanged words with Breanna Stewart. Stewart also embraced Kiyan Anthony in a hug.

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But even though many celebrities graced the game, the true star of the night was Sabrina Ionescu.

A nail-biting showdown

Breanna Stewart contributed 27 points, 10 rebounds and two significant assists, and emerged as the Liberty’s primary force. Stewart really sparkled in overtime, leading her team to victory and putting an end to the Mystics’ postseason run. Trailing behind her while helping the Liberty win was Sabrina Ionescu. With 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists – nearly a double-double – Ionescu contributed significantly despite not playing her typical best. Jonquel Jones’ effort also added to the victory, bringing in 19 points, 14 rebounds and an assist.

The Washington Mystics battled valiantly to maintain their postseason hopes in a high-stakes matchup. After the first half of Game 1, they were behind by an intimidating 11 points, and the tension was apparent. The Mystics didn’t give up, though, and when it meant the most, their signature ferocity reappeared. They managed to eke out a four-point advantage with just 2 minutes and 40 seconds remaining in the game.

But chaos took over, as it frequently does in nail-biting playoff games. With just 2 minutes and 18 seconds left, Betnijah Laney delivered what was promised by making a crucial corner 3-pointer. With 30 points, Natasha Cloud had a stellar performance. She had an opportunity to retaliate, but she missed a clear-cut three-point attempt. This provided an opening for Courtney Vandersloot and the opposition team.

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Courtney Vandersloot used a series of screens to set up Jonquel Jones for a simple layup in an offensive play. With just 1 minute and 38 seconds left, the Liberty took a one-point lead, sending the Barclays Center into a frenzy.

With a second-round matchup looming, the tension was high. Yet neither group was able to wrap up the deal. Fans were on the edge of their seats as a result of both teams’ numerous mistakes due to the defense’s ferocity. Brittney Sykes was able to recover a Vandersloot turnover with just a few seconds left to play in a nail-biting conclusion. The Mystics were disappointed that Sykes was unable to repeat her exploits from the regular season with a game-winning bucket. The Mystics’ postseason run consequently ended after just two games.

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Meanwhile, the New York Liberty will go on to face either the Connecticut Sun or the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday in New York. Who are you rooting for? Let us know in the comments below!