NEW YORK — Breanna Stewart had 33 points, seven assists and six blocks to help the New York Liberty beat the Los Angeles Sparks 98-88 on Saturday.
Sabrina Ionescu added 24 points and Kayla Thornton had 20 for New York (14-3), which has won 10 of its last 11 games, including the first meeting between the teams on Thursday.
Stewart made sure they’d sweep the two games. She had an incredible first half on both ends of the floor on Saturday, scoring 24 points to go along with five assists and five blocks. She became the first player in WNBA history to have over 20 points, five assists and five blocks in a half.
Stewart, who also had three steals and made eight of her 10 shots from the field in the opening 20 minutes.
New York trailed 31-23 early in the second quarter before the reigning MVP took over. Stewart scored 19 points in the frame — matching the Sparks for total points — on 5-of-6 shooting to go along with three blocks.
With Stewart scoring or assisting on 29 of New York’s 33 points in the second quarter, the Liberty built a 54-44 lead at the half.
As the Liberty put the game away in the third quarter with a 20-point lead, Stewart had a chase-down block on Stephanie Talbot that drew the crowd to its feet. Stewart matched a career-high with the block.
Dearica Hamby scored 20 points to lead Los Angeles (4-13).
New York was still missing guard Courtney Vandersloot, who has been out seven games to be with her mom — who died over the weekend. Vandersloot did return to the team Saturday and was warming up before the game.
“It’s been a tough time for her and her family,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said. “She’s back in town, but we’re just ramping her up a little bit. “
The Liberty were also still playing without Nyara Sabally (back) and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (knee).
Los Angeles has its own injury issues with Cameron Brink out for the season with a torn ACL in her left knee and Azura Stevens still sidelined after having surgery on her left arm. Lexie Brown was also out with an illness and the Sparks signed Queen Egbo to a hardship contract.
Egbo arrived in New York late last night and without any prep time to make her a custom jersey, she wore No. 44 with white tape over the jersey name.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
