In a thrilling WNBA regular-season matchup on May 11, the New York Liberty defeated the Washington Mystics 98-93 in overtime on the road, securing their second consecutive win to open the season. After leading 55-48 at halftime, the Liberty struggled in the third and fourth quarters, scoring just 30 combined points to allow the Mystics to tie the game at 85-85. However, New York dominated the extra period, pulling away for the victory.
**Key Statistics**
– **New York Liberty:** Breanna Stewart posted 23 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Marine Johannes knocked down six three-pointers for 25 points. Jonquel Jones added 13 points and 8 rebounds. Kayla Thornton contributed 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists. Han Xu came off the bench for 25 minutes and 31 seconds, shooting 2-for-5 for 4 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, and 6 fouls before fouling out.
– **Washington Mystics:** Tianna Hawkins recorded 20 points and 12 rebounds. Ariel Atkins finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. Natasha Cloud added 17 points and 5 rebounds.
**Game Recap**
In their season opener, the Liberty crushed the Connecticut Sun 106-75 at home, with Han Xu making her WNBA return after a three-year absence, contributing 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block. The Mystics edged the Toronto Tempo 68-65 on the road.
On Sunday, New York faced Washington on the road. The Liberty trailed 31-24 after the first quarter but roared back in the second, scoring a season-high 31 points while holding the Mystics to just 17 points, their lowest in a single quarter. The Liberty took a 55-48 lead into halftime, with Han Xu recording 2 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block in 9 minutes and 26 seconds off the bench.
The third and fourth quarters were a different story for New York, as they managed only 17 and 13 points, respectively, while Washington clawed back to force overtime at 85-85. In the extra period, the Liberty built a 92-86 lead after a 7-1 run, but the Mystics answered with a 6-0 spurt to tie it. New York then relied on free throws to regain control, outscoring Washington 13-8 in overtime to seal the 98-93 win and improve to 2-0.
**Starting Lineups**
– **Washington Mystics:** Sug Sutton, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Natasha Cloud, Ariel Atkins, Tianna Hawkins
– **New York Liberty:** Rebecca Allen, Marine Johannes, Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Kayla Thornton