Breanna Stewart’s recent milestone is more than just a number—it’s a signal that she belongs in the conversation with the greatest players to ever grace the WNBA
While comparisons with Diana Taurasi highlight how far she has come, they also underscore the heights she could still reach.
As the New York Liberty chase another title and Stewart continues to put up MVP-caliber performances, fans and analysts alike are witnessing greatness in real time. The journey to 5,500 points may be complete, but for Breanna Stewart, the road to immortality is just beginning.
Thursday night’s clash between the Liberty and Valkyries will be remembered for Stewart’s historic free throw attempts, the fan reactions, and the controversy surrounding officiating.
But more than that, it will be remembered as a showcase of elite talent, strategic basketball, and the emotional highs and lows that make sports unforgettable.
As the Liberty chase another championship and Stewart continues to elevate her game, one thing remains clear: Whether celebrated or criticized, greatness always draws attention—and Breanna Stewart is undeniably great.
Also Read: Breanna Stewart AKA Stewie: Bio, Wiki, Career, Relationship, Kids, Workout And More
Table of Contents
Breanna Stewart’s Free-Throw Frenzy Sparks Debate in Liberty’s Win Over Valkyries
In a marquee WNBA showdown between the New York Liberty and the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday night, all eyes were on Breanna Stewart—not just for her on-court brilliance, but for the sheer volume of free throws she attempted.1
Stewart went to the line 19 times, converting 15 of her shots. This performance not only helped lift the Liberty to a 77-82 victory but also ignited a social media firestorm over the game’s officiating.
Stewart’s 19 free throw attempts tied her for third all-time in WNBA single-game free throw attempts, matching a mark that has stood for over two decades.
The only higher single-game tallies belong to legends like Cynthia Cooper, who holds the record at 22 attempts from the 1998 season.
To put Stewart’s night in perspective, the entire Golden State Valkyries roster combined for only 14 free throw attempts. This disparity immediately raised eyebrows and fueled the fire for a debate that extended beyond the hardwood.
Dominance from the Start
From the opening tip, Stewart asserted herself in the paint and along the perimeter. Her aggressive playstyle forced the Valkyries into difficult defensive situations, often resulting in contact that sent her to the line.
While some fouls were clear-cut, others stirred controversy. Stewart was relentless, drawing fouls on both drives to the basket and post-up moves, effectively using her body and basketball IQ to bait defenders into mistakes.
Stewart finished with a game-high 27 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three blocks, proving that her contributions went far beyond the charity stripe.
The Online Uproar: Fans Sound Off
As soon as the final buzzer sounded, fans took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to vent their frustration or voice their support. The conversation quickly became polarized, with accusations of bias and favoritism taking center stage.
“Liberty saved by the refs …. AGAIN!” one fan tweeted.
“Now THAT’S a special whistle. Good lord,” added another.
Critics of the officiating pointed to what they called a “Liberty whistle,” implying that Stewart and her teammates receive preferential treatment from referees, especially during close contests.
The Other Side: Defenders of Stewart
Not everyone was critical, though. A vocal group of fans and analysts stood in defense of Stewart, arguing that the fouls she drew were legitimate and a result of aggressive Valkyries defense.
“Did you watch? She was getting hammered and held lmao they had no answer,” one user countered.
“All those fouls were totally legit and evenly called for both teams 🫡” another chimed in.
This division in fan reaction is not uncommon when superstar players are involved in high-stakes games. Stewart’s status as the reigning Finals MVP and a two-time league MVP makes her a focal point—both for defenders on the court and critics online.
Breanna Stewart: What Makes Her So Tough to Defend?
Stewart’s versatility is what makes her so difficult to guard. Standing at 6-foot-4 with elite ball-handling, shooting, and court vision, she forces defenders into tough decisions.2
Do you close out hard and risk her blowing by you? Do you sag off and give her space to shoot? Do you double-team and leave her teammates open?
These dilemmas are what lead to physical play and, by extension, frequent fouls. In Stewart’s case, she has mastered the art of exploiting contact without flopping or baiting referees excessively—a skill that garners both admiration and controversy.
Dissecting the Foul Discrepancy
Critics often cite foul disparities as evidence of biased officiating, but there are several possible explanations for such lopsided stats.
The Liberty, led by Stewart, play a physical brand of basketball that emphasizes attacking the rim and forcing defensive rotations.
The Valkyries, on the other hand, leaned more heavily on perimeter shooting and less on penetration, which naturally results in fewer fouls drawn.
Moreover, elite players tend to get more calls—not because referees are favoring them, but because they handle the ball more, initiate more offense, and are often the focal point of defensive schemes.
Referees Under the Microscope
It’s no secret that WNBA referees, like their NBA counterparts, are scrutinized heavily, especially during nationally televised matchups.
One controversial whistle can become a trending topic within minutes. The Stewart case is a prime example of how quickly officiating can dominate the postgame narrative.
This season has already seen a push for more transparency and consistency in WNBA officiating, and Thursday’s game may add fuel to that movement. Still, it’s worth noting that officiating is an inherently subjective task.
What one ref sees as a foul, another might let go—especially in a game as physical and fast-paced as professional basketball.
Liberty’s Statement Start to the Season
While the fouls and tweets garnered much of the attention, the Liberty’s performance shouldn’t be overlooked. The win against the Valkyries marked their fifth straight to open the 2025 campaign, their best start since 2007.
The reigning WNBA champions look poised to defend their title with ferocity, showing resilience in tight games and leadership from stars like Stewart.
New York has depth, veteran experience, and momentum on its side. If they continue playing at this level, it’s hard to imagine many teams capable of slowing them down—especially with Stewart playing like a woman on a mission.
Breanna Stewart’s Legacy in the Making
Games like Thursday’s are not just about wins and losses—they’re about legacy. Breanna Stewart is already one of the most decorated athletes in WNBA history, but performances like this add to her legend.3
Whether you believe she got a “special whistle” or earned every trip to the line, the fact remains: Stewart is rewriting the record books and redefining what dominance looks like in women’s basketball.
Her leadership, versatility, and knack for showing up in big moments have put her on a pedestal. The debate around her foul calls may rage on, but one thing is certain—she’s not going anywhere.
The Valkyries: A Team Still Finding Its Identity
For the Golden State Valkyries, the loss was disappointing, but not without silver linings. They played tough, stayed within striking distance, and showed promise despite being outmatched in free-throw opportunities.
As an expansion team still building chemistry and cohesion, these close games against top-tier opponents can serve as important learning experiences.
Their ability to challenge the Liberty, even without a superstar of Stewart’s caliber, speaks to their potential. With more time and development, they could soon become a real threat in the league.
But only room for 1 rebound 💀😅 https://t.co/Ycy17BXrZ0
— Stewie (@breannastewart) May 28, 2025
What’s Next for the Liberty?
Following their win over the Valkyries, the Liberty now head to Washington to face the Mystics, looking to extend their perfect start.
With confidence high and Stewart firing on all cylinders, expectations are sky-high for this New York squad.
The matchup with the Mystics will present new challenges—facing a defensive-minded team on the road—but the Liberty have shown they can adapt and win in various styles. Another victory would further solidify their status as title favorites.
Also Read: Breanna Stewart: From UConn Phenom to WNBA Legend, Mother’s Day Special and More
Breanna Stewart’s Ascendancy Through the WNBA Ranks
Since entering the WNBA as the first overall pick in the 2016 draft, Breanna Stewart has been a dominant force.
From her Rookie of the Year campaign to becoming a three-time WNBA champion, her career has been marked by high expectations and even higher accomplishments.
Currently in her ninth season, Stewart has amassed 5,523 career points, putting her in a tie for 22nd on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list. While there’s still a considerable gap between her and the top of that list—Diana Taurasi’s staggering 10,646 points—Stewart has time on her side and the capability to continue climbing.
The Numbers Behind the Greatness
Stewart’s statistical profile this season highlights her all-around excellence. Averaging 20.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, she remains one of the most versatile players in the league.
Her shooting percentages reveal a player who not only scores in volume but does so with remarkable efficiency—55.9% from the field, albeit a lower 20.0% from beyond the arc this season.
These stats reflect Stewart’s ability to adapt her game. She’s scoring from the post, mid-range, and on fast breaks, while also serving as a defensive anchor and facilitator for her team. Her versatility is what separates her from most of her peers.
Comparisons with Diana Taurasi: Two Legends, Different Paths
While both Stewart and Taurasi have hit 5,500 points in the same number of games, their styles and career trajectories offer interesting contrasts.
Taurasi, known for her perimeter shooting and high basketball IQ, has been a dominant offensive force for two decades.
Stewart, on the other hand, brings a more modern, multi-dimensional approach, excelling both inside and outside, and contributing heavily on the defensive end.
Taurasi reached the 10,000-point milestone in 2023, a record that may stand for years. However, Stewart’s pace suggests that if she remains healthy and consistent, she could very well challenge that mark in the future. At just 29 years old, she has several prime years ahead.
Breanna Stewart’s Role in the New York Liberty’s Title Push
After a successful tenure with the Seattle Storm, Stewart joined the New York Liberty, aiming to bring championship glory to the Big Apple.
Last season, she led the Liberty to the WNBA Finals, and this year, the team is once again considered a top contender.
With her current averages and leadership, Stewart is central to the Liberty’s quest for back-to-back championships.
Her ability to score, defend, and facilitate makes her the heartbeat of the team. Her presence opens up opportunities for teammates like Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Courtney Vandersloot, creating one of the most formidable lineups in the league.
The Evolution of Stewart’s Game
One of the most remarkable aspects of Stewart’s career has been her evolution as a player. Early on, she relied heavily on her post moves and face-up game.
Over the years, she’s expanded her range, improved her playmaking, and become a vocal leader on and off the court.
Even this season, with a lower three-point shooting percentage, she has found ways to be effective, utilizing her midrange game and elite footwork in the paint. Her adaptability ensures she remains a matchup nightmare for virtually every opponent.
Breanna Stewart: Premiere Day
Breanna Stewart went to celebrate On Power Forward premiere day, three-part content series Power Forward is a different kind of journey from WNBA
View this post on Instagram
Injury Comeback and Mental Fortitude
It’s easy to forget that Stewart suffered a torn Achilles in 2019—an injury that often derails or ends careers. However, she came back stronger, winning titles and MVPs afterward, further cementing her legacy as one of the game’s greats.
Her comeback underscores her resilience and mental toughness, traits that define champions. That she returned to elite form post-injury is a testament to her work ethic and passion for the game.
Eyeing More Milestones: What’s Next for Stewart?
- With 5,523 points and counting, Stewart is likely to move up the WNBA’s all-time scoring list quickly if she maintains her current pace.
- Passing names like Tamika Catchings and Cappie Pondexter is within reach over the next couple of seasons.
- More significantly, Stewart is still in her prime. If she plays for another six or seven seasons at her current pace, a run at 8,000–9,000 points is realistic.
- That wouldn’t just put her in the top 5—it would make her a serious candidate to challenge Taurasi’s scoring crown.
- While Stewart’s on-court accomplishments are significant, her influence extends beyond basketball. She has been a vocal advocate for social justice, gender equity, and LGBTQ+ rights.
- She uses her platform to bring awareness to important causes, continuing the legacy of athlete-activists in professional sports.
- Her off-court impact enhances her overall legacy, making her one of the most influential athletes of her generation.
- Whether speaking out on maternity rights in sports or supporting pay equity in the WNBA, Stewart represents the modern athlete—talented, principled, and engaged.
Also Read: Nyara Sabally’s Touching Reaction to Her Brother’s Big Iona Commitment
