:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72642416/1505409554.0.jpg "Award season! Breanna Stewart named AP Player of the Year and Sabrina Ionescu named to All WNBA 2nd team")
Amid an anticipated year of accolades, Breanna Stewart was declared AP Player of the Year on Tuesday, setting the stage for upcoming MVP voting, as she has made a compelling case for both honors.
Expectations are soaring for the New York Liberty. They achieved their best-ever regular season performance in franchise history, setting unprecedented records for wins (32) and winning percentage (.800). The team’s on-court success also translated to increased attendance, TV ratings, and overall visibility. The organization’s ambitious roster assembly is beginning to yield impressive results as the playoffs unfold.
Breanna Stewart has had a remarkable season. Her transition to Stew York has been seamless, leading to one of the most extraordinary seasons of her illustrious career. She set a league record for 40-point games in a season, surpassing Diana Taurasi’s single-season scoring record. Her impact extended beyond scoring, showcasing her prowess as a two-way force.
Stewart’s regular season achievements are remarkable. She finished:
- Second in scoring
- Third in rebounding
- Fourth in blocks
- 12th in steals
She also played a pivotal role in the Liberty’s exceptional defensive performance towards the end of the season. The team’s tenacity reflects the tradition of the best basketball teams in New York and New Jersey, embodying the essence of the sport, as detailed by Jackie Powell of The Next.
The Liberty believes in the embodiment and spirit of New York Liberty basketball through habits, effort, mutual accountability, and a level of toughness—non-negotiable elements that also represent the legacy the team aspires to leave in 2023.
Adding another accolade to her Hall of Fame resume, Stewart received the AP Player of the Year award by the Associated Press. It’s her third time winning, and second consecutive win following her victory over A’ja Wilson in 2022.
In addition to being named Player of the Year, Stewart was also selected for the AP’s All WNBA first team, alongside A’ja Wilson, Alyssa Thomas, Jewell Loyd, and Chelsea Gray.
This recognition places Stewart amongst exceptional company. As she seeks her second MVP award, she faces stiff competition from Wilson and Thomas.
Keep rocking
Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images
Sabrina Ionescu also made her mark in the award circle, securing a spot in the AP’s All WNBA second team. Her remarkable season was acknowledged by the voters, solidifying her position as a standout player.
Ionescu’s success includes surpassing Diana Taurasi for most 3-pointers made in a single season. Her versatility as a 3-point shooter is complemented by her multifaceted skills, combining for an outstanding performance—a sentiment echoed by Courtney Vandersloot as reported by Myles Ehrlich of Winsidr.
Ionescu’s relentless movement, coupled with the Liberty’s exceptional passing, has elevated her game and contributed to the team’s success.
Ionescu’s exceptional performance at the All-Star Break, setting a record for the most points scored in the 3-point contest, carried over to the season. She is now one of the WNBA’s top players, poised to lead the Liberty in the playoffs against a formidable Washington Mystics squad.
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Rachel Adams is your WNBA insider, delivering comprehensive coverage of women’s basketball. With a commitment to highlighting the talent and achievements of WNBA players, she provides game analysis, player profiles, and inspiring stories from the league.
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