A repeat of the 2023 WNBA Finals took place at the Michelob ULTRA Arena, and for the second time this season, the 2x defending champions, the Aces, faced disappointment at home. But credit where it’s due—the New York Liberty, last year’s runners-up, have been on an impressive roll. Their 6-game winning streak has now guaranteed them a spot in the upcoming playoffs. Surprised? Well, join the list that includes reigning MVP Breanna Stewart as well.

The red-hot New York Liberty added further misery to A’ja Wilson and Co. with an inspired exhibition where the formidable duo of Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu had answers for every challenge the hosts presented. However, both were caught off guard by one major development resulting from this outcome.

“Wait what? what the…”, Stewart reacted when she learned that the Liberty had become the first team to clinch a playoff position. “Surprising because we still got a lot of games to go. But the way we kind of come out, came ready to work in this 2-game road trip, It’s not easy right after the Olympic break. But, we continue to come together.” The Liberty faced off against the Sparks before their Aces encounter at the Crypto.com Arena, where they secured a win with a hefty margin of 35 points.

Ionescu echoed a similar sentiment when asked if she knew about her team’s latest accomplishment. “I do not,” Ionescu said. Following this, the 5 ft 11 point guard displayed a sense of pride, adding, “Proud of us. Proud of how we fought. Wasn’t always pretty. I think being able to just continue to chip away and obviously being able to clinch a spot in the playoffs is huge and one of her goals.”

Indeed, it was an occasion to be proud of, especially, after what Ionescu was able to pull off alongside Stewart.

Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu frustrate the Aces

It wasn’t an absolute delight for the 10,397 people present at the Michelob ULTRA Arena to witness Stewart and Ionescu capitalize on the Aces’ defensive lapses. Ionescu was the top performer for the visitors, garnering 23 points while shooting 9 of 21 from the field and 3 of 10 from beyond the arc. She also added 6 rebounds and 3 assists to her stat line. Meanwhile, the 29-year-old Stewart contributed 18 points, shooting 7 of 16 from the field, and grabbing 7 rebounds.

The New York Liberty reign supreme with a 23-4 record, which happens to be the best in the league, making them clear top contenders for the title. We’ll have to wait and see how long they can maintain this momentum.

Stay tuned for more updates. And don’t miss the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show,” where our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.