WNBA takeaways: Breanna Stewart dominates; Tempo lose debut

New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) shoots against Connecticut Sun guard Saniya Rivers (22) and forward Aneesah Morrow (24) during the first half at Barclays Center. John Jones-Imagn Images

WNBA opening night takeaways: Breanna Stewart dominates; Tempo lose debut

By Adam Gretz | Last updated May 8, 2026 10:49 PM ET

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The 2026 WNBA season opened on Friday night, and it began with a dominant showing from Breanna Stewart and the debut of the league's newest team, the Toronto Tempo.

Here are some takeaways from the league's opening night.

Breanna Stewart dominates, sets personal milestone

The New York Liberty left no doubt in their season-opening 106-75 win over the Connecticut Sun, and while it was a complete team effort across the board, there was one player who clearly stood out above the rest.

It was Stewart.

She finished the game with a double-double, posting 31 points and 10 rebounds, while also adding three blocks, two assists and a steal.

Her 31 points also helped her cross the 6,000-point milestone for her career.

She was borderline unstoppable with the ball in her hands, shooting 10-of-17 from the floor, while also getting to the free-throw line for 12 shots (and making 11 of them).

But it was not just about her offense. She also took control of the defensive side of the floor, including this chase-down block in the third quarter.

NOT IN STEWIE'S HOUSE

Breanna Stewart elevates for the MEAN DENIAL!

CON-NYL | ION | WNBA Tip-Off 2026 | @CarMax pic.twitter.com/v2qJNBASY7
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 9, 2026

Toronto Tempo lose debut game

The Tempo are the WNBA's newest team, and got their introduction to the league with a tough, 68-65, loss to the Washington Mystics.

Washington's Sonia Citron led the way with 26 points, while Shakira Austin (18 points, 11 rebounds) and Kiki Iriafen (12 points, 16 rebounds) both finished with double-doubles in the win.

Toronto kept things close and had a chance late, but never really found its rhythm offensively.

The Tempo shot just 27% from the floor and were only 5-for-25 from three-point range. That's obviously a tough night, and there aren't many teams that are going to win with that sort of offensive showing. The fact that the game was as close as it was is a small victory in itself.

Marina Mabrey was the one bright spot offensively for the Tempo with 27 points, but even she was only 6-for-18 from the floor. She recorded 12 of her points from the free-throw line.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

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