New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart gave an invaluable tip to Washington Mystics rookie Kiki Iriafen during the Liberty-Mystics game on Thursday. After the game, WNBA reporter Myles Ehrlich shared Stewart's mid-game tip to Iriafen on X.
The Liberty won 86-78 with Stewart leading the charge. She recorded 26 points and 11 rebounds on 8-for-16 shooting. On the other hand, Iriafen did the heavy lifting for Washington, finishing with 17 points and nine rebounds. It would be good for Iriafen to take Stewart's advice to heart.
She only stayed on the floor for 18 minutes, as defending Stewart landed the rookie in trouble, which led to Iriafen fouling out. Fans also noticed the invaluable advice the Liberty star had for Iriafen.
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Some fans even claimed that Caitlin Clark didn't get this advice because she has the potential to be better than Breanna Stewart.
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"Really impressed": After mid-game tip from Breanna Stewart, Liberty coach praises Kiki Iriafen
Kiki Iriafen's short cameo against Breanna Stewart and Co. was more than enough to impress New York Liberty coach Sandy Brondello, who praised her while speaking to reporters after the game.
"I've been really, really impressed with her game, to be quite honest," Brondello said.
"I think she probably may be a better pro than when she was in college, I mean that's just how the game translates to this level. She's got this great, physical, big body. She's got confidence. She has a lot of freedom to play. I think that's good for young players like that, but she's very skilled."
It sounds outlandish, but her stats show that Iriafen has been better in the league than she was through four years of college. She has been solid for the Washington Mystics, recording 14.9 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, while shooting 51.0%.
Thanks to her stellar form, the Mystics are holding onto the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Iriafen and Co. will take on the Connecticut Sun on Sunday.