June 5, 2025; Washington, Columbia District, USA; New York Liberty Forward Brena Stewart (30) shot the ball during the foul by Washington Misting Fortex Kiki Irifen (44) by Washington Misting Fortuction Kiki Irifen (44) in the first half at Entertainment and Sports Arena. Compulsory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imgon Picture Breanna Stewart’s 26-digit double-dabble and 11 rebounds took an unbeaten New York Liberty in the 86-78 win over host Washington Mistics in the country’s capital on Thursday.
Sabrina Ioncu added 13 points and Kennedy Burke scored 12 runs for the reign of WNBA Champion Liberty (8–0), who won the last six meetings against Mistics at an average of about 12 points.
Liberty played most of the games without Starter Jonkel Jones, who injured his ankle and did not return while leaving for a late shot in the first quarter. She came on an average of 15.7 points and 11.3 rebounds per game.
Kiki Irifen put in 17 points and held nine rebounds for Mistics (3-6), who lost three consecutive and six of their last seven. Z Melbourne ended with 15 points and Sonia Citron added 13.
Washington was behind as many as 16, but Shakira was within 81–77 with 1:53 to go after Austin’s trimmed. But three free throw by Stewart, which was 10 -13 from the line, helped the Liberty seal the deal.
The game was counted in the Commissioner Cup Standing, improved 2–0 in New York. Washington fell 0–2.
In the initial quarter, a 3-pointer of INESCU with 7:57 gave Liberty a 5–2 lead, but Mistics eventually tied it 10–10 with 4:43 to go to a jumper from Stephanie Doleson.
INESCU and Citron did 3-pointers traded as both teams were not noted with more than three minutes to go to 13–13.
In May, the month’s crook, Iriafen scored inside and then made a free throw for the 16–13 exercise lead on the 2:15 mark. She ended with 11 points in the quarter, consisting of two off free throw with 17 seconds, closing Washington for 12–4 runs and leading 22–17 after another.
Liberty withdrew the lead at 28–27, with 6:03 survived in half as Leoni Fiabich ran for a trimming.
Shots from the distance by Rebka Gardner and Fabich soon expanded a 36-29 lead.
New York took advantage of its first dual points of the night at 42-31, when Eansku pulled to a jumper with 1:49.
Burke capted a large second quarter for Liberty, when he buried a 3-pointer from the corner, left with 20 seconds, as New York increased to Haftime with a gain of 49–34, excluding Mistics from 32–12 during this period.
Mistics closed the difference of 51–42 with 6:42 to play on a shot by Dollson, but Burke responded with his third 3-pointer of the game to push the lead back to double digits.
New York made 10 3-pointers, denying 46-24 scoring benefits of Mistics in paint.
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