Kennedy Burke has big night for Breanna Stewart-less Liberty

For their second straight game, the Liberty were without two-time MVP Breanna Stewart.

Yet for another night, the team secured an 82-74 victory over the Connecticut Sun — with many thanks to the efforts of backup forward Kennedy Burke.

The 27-year-old Burke compiled nine points and four steals in just 24 minutes.

In her second start of the season, Burke elevated her game during key moments.

After the Sun knotted the score at 61-61, Burke corralled an errant pass and took it all the way to the tin to give the Liberty a two-point lead.

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Then, in the early moments of the fourth quarter, Burke picked off another miscue before zeroing in on an open Sabrina Ionescu for three.

“Just keeping my head up,” Burke said about her approach. “I know every time I get the ball, I want to make sure that my teammates are available.”

The highlight moment arrived when the five-year veteran converted a layup that gave New York a five-point advantage with 8:48 to go.

“She’s got guard-like skills,” head coach Sandy Brondello said postgame. “She just continues to get better. KB anticipates so well. She’s a good heads-up player in the transition phase.”

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Replacing a player averaging 19.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game is a feat not many can mirror, but Burke has provided positive contributions with Stewart still resting.

On Saturday in Chicago, Burke notched seven points and three steals in 31 minutes played, helping the Liberty to an 81-67 victory.

“I think she gets more and more comfortable in what we’re doing here,” Brondello said. “Playing her game has been really big for us these last two games, especially.”

Burke’s play was especially important considering few other Libs could find rhythm next to Ionescu, who nearly effortlessly notched 30 points.

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All-Star Jonquel Jones scored just eight points on 3-for-12 shooting, and only one other player — Courtney Vandersloot — reached double figures.

Though Burke may not be a household name, her play is still appreciated by her teammates.

“KB’s very talented,” Jones said. “The stops that she had for us in that fourth quarter were amazing, and they were vital. So, she just has to keep doing it.”

Heading into a nearly monthlong All-Star break with a league-leading 21-4 record, the Liberty anticipate slotting Stewart right back next to Ionescu and Jones when play resumes on Aug. 15.

Yet even if moved back to a diminished role, Burke could prove a key reserve during the team’s push for its first title.

“She brought the energy that we were missing,” guard Ivana Dojkic said. “I think she did a great job in the most important part of the game. I’m very proud of her.”

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