Liberty forward Breanna Stewart drives for two of her 25 points as the reigning champs celebrated Opening Day at Barclays Center with a win over the rival Vegas Aces. AP Photo by Heather Khalifa
By John Torenli, Sports Editor
May 20, 2025
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The New York Liberty have established a “standard” in Downtown Brooklyn.
It’s Title II or bust in 2025.
“I think it creates a standard for anyone that comes into Barclays,” said Liberty forward Breanna Stewart after New York began its “run it back” campaign with a resounding 92-78 triumph over the Las Vegas Aces in front of a raucous sellout crowd of 17,344 Saturday afternoon.
Stewart, already the owner of two WNBA titles with Seattle, slipped on ring No. 3 before putting up 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting, grabbing eight rebounds, handing out three assists and blocking a shot as the Liberty (1-0) used a big second quarter to run past the visiting Aces (0-1).
She also intimated that the defending WNBA champions weren’t content to bask in the glory of the organization’s first-ever crown after watching their title banner raised to the rafters and receiving their championship rings.
“Whether it’s us playing or the Nets. Championship mindset and mentality amongst this franchise,” Stewart added. “It’s a special thing. Been looking forward to having this moment and celebrating with the fans.”
Newly-acquired point guard Natasha Cloud ingratiated herself to the Barclays faithful with a brilliant Brooklyn debut, putting up 22 points, hauling down six boards and dishing out nine assists while picking up three steals and blocking a pair of shots.
Reigning Finals MVP Jonquel Jones continued to be the backbone of the best women’s basketball team in the world with 17 points, 10 rebounds and six assists as New York used a 9-0 second-quarter burst to pull ahead for good.
The Barclays Center crowd roared in delight as the Liberty raised the first-ever championship banner in franchise history at the arena Saturday. AP Photo by Vera Nieuwenhuis
The Aces, spearheaded by three-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson’s 31-point, 16-rebound effort, pulled within two points in the fourth quarter, but Cloud had a pair of roof-raising three-point plays during an 8-0 burst that settled matters.
Though the Liberty went a dismal 19% from 3-point range, including an 0-for-5 effort from sharp-shooter Sabrina Ionescu, they used a tenacious defense to limit the rest of Vegas’ veteran squad from spoiling Opening Day.
“I have a lot of respect for this organization,” said Aces coach Becky Hammon, who played for the Liberty when the team was based in Manhattan.
“A lot of respect for (co-owners) Joe (Tsai) and Clara (Wu Tsai). I thought last year they were the best team and the best team gets rings.”
Vegas won back-to-back WNBA crowns, including the 2023 title here at Barclays, before the Liberty broke the glass ceiling last fall, finishing the Aces off in four games in the semifinals before surviving an epic five-game Finals against Minnesota.
“We’re so thankful, thank you guys for being part of this championship journey for us,” Ionescu addressed the Brooklyn faithful before amassing eight points, seven rebounds and four assists.
“We got to run it back. We need the energy the love and support.”
Kennedy Burke added 10 points off the bench and fellow reserve Nyara Sabally chipped in six points and five rebounds for the Liberty, who finished off their celebration weekend by attending a Subway Series game at Yankee Stadium.
Stewart wouldn’t reveal how her new championship bauble compared to the set she won in Seattle.
Only that she wished to add a few more to her collection before leaving Brooklyn.
“Each one is special. Rings for me personally are not meant to be worn,” Stewart noted. “They will create a nice collection later.”
New York will be off until Thursday when it visits former teammate Courtney Vandersloot and the Chicago Sky in the Windy City.
Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m. ET
Though she won’t play this year due to injury, Liberty forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (center) received her championship ring Saturday in Downtown Brooklyn.AP Photo by Heather Khalifa
GIVE ME LIBERTY: Injured forwards Betnijah Laney-Hamilton and Ivana Djokic both received their rings as well. Laney-Hamilton will not play this season while recovering from surgery to repair a meniscus in her left knee. She received one of the biggest pregame cheers from the capacity crowd. … The Liberty will be back at Barclays on Saturday for what should be another sellout to take on Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
