The Cavaliers made their debut as an expansion team in the 1970–71 season. They had a losing record in each of their first five seasons before winning their first divisional championship in 1976. Until 2002, the Cleveland Cavaliers played in front of an audience that was as silent as a library. Things changed when 2003 No. 1 jackpot-pick LeBron James joined the team. There were high expectations placed on him upon his arrival, and it is safe to say the Akron native has exceeded them all and salvaged his hometown team.

In a similar vein, Breanna Stewart’s 2023 arrival spared the WNBA’s New York Liberty from a long-term vacuum on the squad.

Breanna Stewart’s arrival at the Liberty

Breanna Stewart was named MVP for the second time this season, after her prior award with the Seattle Storm in 2008. Breanna chose to play in her home team this year by joining the New York Liberty.

The change was extensively discussed and praised with NBA players such as Kevin Durant expressing hope for Breanna to succeed at the Liberty. Breanna delivered with a very successful debut year, exceeding all expectations and now inning the league’s most prized honor.

Breanna revealed to GMA how honored she was to receive the award on behalf of New York – “To put the Liberty on the map and chase the championship because they’ve never won one,” despite being the initial club and one of the most dominant franchises in the previous two regular seasons.

In their 27-year history, the New York Liberty had never had a player win an MVP award. But Breanna Stewart heroically spared the New York Liberty from a lack of MVP by justifying her transfer to her home state and winning her second MVP for New York.

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The New York Liberty is a WNBA club that was founded in 1997 as part of the original eight WNBA teams, the league being founded the same year, and is owned by Joe Tsai. The team’s home games are held at Barclay’s Centre. The team has qualified for the playoffs in sixteen of the last twenty-six seasons but hasn’t played in the Finals since 2002. Breanna’s shift, however, was a fortuitous draw since she has guided the squad to the semifinals this year.

Stewart’s stint at the New York Liberty

It is hardly an exaggeration to say that Breanna carried her team on her shoulders; she doubled the team’s victories over the previous season, averaging 23 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1 steal and a block every game this year.

With the newest MPV on their side, the Liberty surely seem strong contenders for the 2023 WNBA championship. Do you think Breanna Stewart can lead the side to another fresh start? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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