NEW YORK — Breanna Stewart had some frustrations to express.

“It’s about time,” exclaimed the New York Liberty forward moments after helping her team secure an 80-66 victory over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals, a match where she scored 21 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and achieved a career-high of seven steals.

Her comments did not pertain to the important win, a specific officiating call, or even the impressive crowd of 18,046 fans in attendance.

Instead, she was addressing her college coach, Geno Auriemma, the legendary 11-time national champion known as one of the greatest coaches ever.

“I texted him saying, it’s about time you show up to one of my games,” Stewart said, eliciting laughter from the press room. She pretended to shake her head in mock annoyance. “I’ve been here for two years, and he hasn’t come to see me! What’s going on?”

After the match, while holding her 3-year-old daughter Ruby at center court, Stewart shared with ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe that she aimed to perform well for Auriemma, who finally showed up at the Barclays Center.

Also in attendance for Game 2 was C. Vivian Stringer, a pioneering NCAA coach who led three different teams to the Final Four, most recently guiding Rutgers in 2007. Four years later, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton made her mark at Rutgers under Stringer (who retired in 2022).

Laney-Hamilton, who also scored a season-high-tying 20 points in this game, expressed her joy, stating she always wants to showcase her talent when her former college coach is present.

Laney-Hamilton, despite dealing with a right knee injury, managed to impress Stringer, who stood up multiple times in excitement as Laney-Hamilton opened the game shooting 4-for-4, helping the Liberty establish a 17-point lead.

“It felt great to play well in front of her,” remarked Laney-Hamilton, who had not scored in double figures since September 22 during New York’s first playoff game of 2024. She also contributed two assists and a steal.

“This gives me a boost as we continue in the series,” she added. “I’ve faced physical and mental challenges this season, so seeing a glimpse of what I can do felt amazing.”

What other college coaches from Liberty players are making the trip to Minnesota for Games 3 and 4?

Sabrina Ionescu quickly responded during the press conference, revealing that her college coach, Oregon’s Kelly Graves, will be at the Target Center on Wednesday. This suggests that Ionescu and guard Courtney Vandersloot, who played under Graves at Gonzaga, might put on strong performances.

“They’re all welcome,” joked New York coach Sandy Brondello.

Sunday’s performance from Stewart was spectacular, and certainly, she didn’t need her college coach on the sidelines to fuel her energy.

Stewart, a three-time Olympian and two-time MVP, showcased her talent. Following a disappointing end in Game 1 – which included a missed free throw by Stewart in overtime that could have clinched the win – she was eager for this match. “The moment Game 1 wrapped up, I looked ahead to today,” she stated.

She definitely delivered on that promise.

Stewart had two pivotal moments in the second half.

At the end of the third quarter, she drew two fouls, successfully converting on a pair of free throws on one, then blocked a Lynx shot and made a runner, giving New York a 61-53 advantage with 55.8 seconds remaining and stopping Minnesota’s momentum dead in its tracks.

Her second significant stretch was even more notable.

With New York clinging to a narrow 66-64 lead with 5:36 left on the clock, Stewart secured consecutive steals from Minnesota, preventing them from either equalizing or taking the lead. The Liberty wrapped up the game with a strong 12-0 run in the final 3:21, punctuated by a crucial corner three from Laney-Hamilton and an offensive tip-in by Stewart.

Given Laney-Hamilton’s ongoing struggles, her performance might have been more remarkable than Stewart’s. It was definitely filled with grit.

Just before the Olympic break in July, Laney-Hamilton underwent minor knee surgery, returning to the Liberty at the end of July. She has been dealing with pain throughout the season. Brondello acknowledged earlier in the series that even post-surgery, Laney-Hamilton has not been at full strength.

On Sunday, her toughness was commendable.

Stewart concurred with the sentiment.

“What B brings to the team is a level of grit and toughness, we all recognize that she’s giving her all,” he said.

“We understand she has the capability, and we’re pleased to see her find a rhythm amidst the ups and downs of this season. She’s a significant contributor to our efforts.”

Laney-Hamilton refrained from quantifying her health status and avoided going into details about her treatment, mentioning only that the Liberty are “trying various approaches to help me feel better.”

It’s evidently effective. However, to be on the safe side, they might consider bringing Stringer — and Auriemma — along on the flight to Minneapolis as well.