The road to victory for Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu didn’t end with their gold medal win at the Olympics. Immediately after their triumph in Paris, the star duo found themselves in Los Angeles with their team, the Liberty, ready to pursue their WNBA title aspirations. The Liberty wasted no time, opening the second half of the schedule with a dominant 103-68 win over the Sparks, led by Stewart’s 27 points and Ionescu’s 18 points.
Reflecting on their Olympic journey, Ionescu mentioned the significance of participating in the opening ceremony. It was a moment that held great meaning for her, especially as her parents, who are not from the United States, were able to witness their daughter living out her dreams on an international stage. The joy and pride they felt made the experience even more unforgettable for Ionescu.
For Stewart, the standout memory was seeing her teammate Brittney Griner, who had previously been held captive in Russia, get emotional during the medal ceremony. It was a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of their team. Stewart also emphasized the camaraderie and fun they had as a group, despite the challenges of bringing together players from different WNBA teams.
Now, with the Olympic chapter closed, the Liberty face a tight turnaround as they dive back into the playoff race. Currently sitting at the top of the standings with a three-game lead, they are determined to secure home-court advantage throughout the postseason. The second half of the schedule is demanding, with 15 games to be played in just 36 days. However, Stewart and Ionescu, along with their teammates, are eager to continue their strong performance and finish the season on a high note.
Notably, the Liberty’s reserves, Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally, also participated in the Olympics with Germany, while head coach Sandy Brondello guided Australia to a bronze medal. This shared experience at the international level adds another layer of cohesion and understanding within the team.
Looking ahead, the Liberty’s next challenge is a Saturday matchup against the Aces, who defeated them in last year’s Finals. The Aces could potentially be their semifinal opponent, making this game even more significant. Despite the tight schedule and limited recovery time, both Stewart and Ionescu are confident in their ability to perform at a high level. They understand that although the first half of the season’s accomplishments may not carry over directly into the second half, their record is what truly matters. The team is focused on staying locked in and finishing strong, with no room for excuses.
The journey for Stewart, Ionescu, and the Liberty continues, and their determination to bring a WNBA title to their franchise is unwavering. With their Olympic success behind them, they are ready to face the challenges of the second half of the season head-on and make their mark in the playoffs.
