The New York Liberty’s title defense ended in the first round with the fourth-seeded Phoenix Mercury proving too strong for the defending champions. Even though the Mercury had complete control of the game for most of the game, Breanna Stewart put forward a strong offensive game to keep her side in the contest.
Apart from Alyssa Thomas’ record-setting triple-double, Stewart’s 30-point scoring night was the highlight of the game. But the veteran forward was stunned by hearing about one amazing stat in the game.
Breanna Stewart Reacts To Fourth Quarter Stat
The eliminator game at PHX arena was close until the fourth quarter, when a single point separated both sides. There were 13 lead changes in the game, putting everyone on the edge of their seats. But the Mercury took control of the proceedings in the fourth quarter and outscored the opponents 19-14 to seal a six-point win.
Incidentally, the former UConn star scored all 14 points for Liberty, putting up a solo fight in the final 10 minutes of the game. Upon hearing about the stat, the superstar forward was shocked in the postgame interview and gave a savage reply, “I hold myself to really high standard.”
Sabrina Ionescu praised Stewart’s heroic effort despite the New York Liberty’s playoff loss. The sharpshooter was another high performer in the game and finished with 23 points in the first three quarters.
Breanna Stewart was STUNNED to learn she was the only Liberty player to score in the 4th quarter of Game 3 🤯 pic.twitter.com/wu1HHvgKLh
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 20, 2025
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While the 31-year-old forward vowed to stay with the New York side in the coming future, she praised Alyssa Thomas for her heroic performance.
Breanna Stewart Praises Alyssa Thomas For Match-Winning Performance
The star didn’t hold back praising the difference maker in the game – Alyssa Thomas. AT impacted the game on both ends of the floor and controlled the pace of the game. Stewart acknowledged that the 33-year-old forward is hard to guard.
“I think the way that [Thomas has] really perfected her game to be a nightmare all over the court. Whether it’s rebounding, dishing, or getting downhill. Coming to Phoenix was probably one of the best decisions of her career, if you ask. I just feel like [Phoenix is] using her incredibly well,” said Stewart. “She has triple-doubles every single night, so there’s tons of respect between both sides. It’s always going to be a physical matchup when we play together… We had a nightmare guarding her, and I’m sure everybody else will too,” Stewart said.
The Mercury will now play against another 2024 WNBA Finalist in the semifinal starting from September 21.