Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty returned to Barclays Center on Thursday, May 21, to host the Golden State Valkyries after a three-game road trip, and the matchup arrived with the Liberty trying to keep their early-season edge intact at home. Stewart had scored at least 20 points in three of her last four outings, and the Liberty entered the night with the top overall NET Rating at 14.6.
Stewart also had a clear recent history against Golden State. She had scored at least 20 points in three of four career meetings with the Valkyries, while New York was 3-1 on the moneyline in its last four games against them. A source familiar with the matchup said, “Breanna Stewart continues her hot hand tonight against the Valkyries.”
The numbers at Barclays Center back up why the Liberty are difficult to beat there. New York was 18-5 straight up in its previous two seasons at home, and Stewart’s own home splits were strong as well, with a 50.0 eFG% across 18 home games in 2025. That matters because the Liberty entered this game at 3-1, with Stewart framed as the team’s offensive anchor.
Golden State, though, had its own scoring help to lean on. Janelle Salaun had scored 20 or more points in two of Golden State’s three games, and when given full minutes she had shot 50% from the field and 50% from the line. That gave the Valkyries at least one reliable way to pressure a Liberty defense that has been expected to carry a heavy load early in the season.
The injury report added another layer to the night. Cecilia Zandalasini, Juste Jocyte and Iliana Rupert were listed as out for Golden State, while Satou Sabally, Sabrina Ionescu and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton were all listed as game-time decisions for New York. Leonie Fiebich was also listed as out for the Liberty, leaving both teams with lineups that could look different from the versions fans expected when the game tipped.
That is the real test in a game like valkyries vs liberty: not just whether Stewart can keep scoring, but whether New York can hold its edge if the injury report forces changes on the fly. Barclays Center has been a reliable stage for the Liberty, and Thursday’s game came with enough uncertainty to make that comfort feel fragile.
