Breanna Stewart breaks WNBA record, fastest player to reach 5,000 points

WNBA star Breanna Stewart makes history as fastest player to reach 5,000 points, coach ensures recognition after postgame media delay.

New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello had to wait a tedious eight minutes during Sunday's postgame media availability before Breanna Stewart's incredible achievement was finally acknowledged. The wait was far too long, but it was worth it.

Stewart made history by becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 5,000 points, accomplishing this milestone in just 242 games. This remarkable feat occurred during a victory over the Atlanta Dream at Barclays Center, and Brondello was determined to ensure that the accomplishment did not go unnoticed amidst the flurry of unrelated questions from reporters.

"I just want to make sure you guys all knew that in case you didn't," Brondello emphasized.

Fortunately for Stewart, she was able to discuss her achievement before leaving Barclays Center after the game. She expressed her gratitude for surpassing the legendary Diana Taurasi, who achieved the 5,000-point mark in 243 games and has been a trailblazer in scoring in the WNBA.

"It's a cool honor for sure," Stewart remarked. "Passing someone like [Taurasi], who has been a scoring pioneer, is an incredible honor, and I will definitely reach out to her about it."

Taurasi reached the 5,000-point milestone during the 2013 WNBA season with the Phoenix Mercury, just a year before Brondello took over as head coach and led the team to a championship.

Stewart surpassed Taurasi's record by sinking a fadeaway jumper at the 8:10 minute mark of the second quarter, contributing to her game-high 22 points in the Liberty's 16th win of the season. Despite her individual achievements, Stewart credited her teammates for their support in helping her reach this milestone.

"I wouldn't be here and accomplish all these things without my teammates setting me up," Stewart acknowledged. "We are focused on more than just personal accolades."

In summary, Stewart's record-breaking achievement is a testament to her talent and hard work, as well as the support of her teammates. Her dedication to the game and her humility in acknowledging the contributions of those around her make her a true standout in the world of women's basketball.