Sabrina Had Jokes After Breanna Stewart Drew 16 Fouls vs. the Valkyries 😂

In what can only be described as a masterclass in patience, positioning, and sheer dominance, Breanna Stewart etched her name into the WNBA headlines once again by drawing an incredible 16 fouls in a single game against the newly formed Nashville Valkyries. And while the performance itself was stunning, it was her teammate, Sabrina Ionescu, who brought the laughs afterward, proving once again that the Liberty’s chemistry extends far beyond the basketball court.

The New York Liberty’s 94-81 win over the Valkyries on Thursday night wasn’t just another tally in the win column — it was a statement game, and Stewart’s foul-drawing frenzy was the focal point. From the first whistle, it was clear that the Valkyries didn’t have an answer for her inside presence. She was relentless on the boards, cunning in her post-ups, and just outright frustrating for defenders trying to contain her without fouling. Spoiler alert: they couldn’t.

After the game, as reporters crowded the locker room, all eyes were on Stewart — but it was Ionescu, ever the witty spark plug of the team, who stole the show on social media.

“16 fouls? Stewie out here doing cardio and collecting defenders like they Pokémon. 🥴😂 #FreeThrowsQueen,” Sabrina tweeted just minutes after the final buzzer. The tweet immediately went viral, garnering thousands of likes and retweets, with fans and fellow players chiming in on the hilarity.

But the banter didn’t stop there.

When asked about Sabrina’s tweet in the postgame press conference, Stewart chuckled and replied, “Yeah, I might start charging rent with how much time I spent in the paint tonight. Shoutout to Sab for always keeping it light.”

The Liberty’s social media team, never ones to miss an opportunity, leaned into the moment by posting a graphic showing Stewart surrounded by five Valkyries players with the caption: “Foul Magnets: Activated. 🧲” The team even added a cheeky touch by photoshopping Stewart with a referee’s whistle, jokingly suggesting she was officiating the game herself with the number of calls she drew.

Beyond the jokes, Stewart’s performance was a testament to her basketball IQ. Drawing 16 fouls isn’t just about being aggressive — it requires timing, awareness, and a deep understanding of defensive tendencies. She continually put herself in positions where defenders had to make split-second decisions, often leading to whistles.

“She’s like a chess master out there,” said Liberty coach Sandy Brondello. “Every move she makes forces the defense to react. And if they overcommit or hesitate, she’s got them.”

The Valkyries, in their inaugural season, have shown promise, but Thursday night was a reality check. They were physical — perhaps too physical — trying to contain Stewart, and it cost them dearly. Three of their starters fouled out, and by the fourth quarter, the rotation looked more like a G League squad than a pro lineup.

Even Valkyries head coach Alicia Clark couldn’t help but smirk when asked about the foul count.

“We were playing tag, apparently. Just didn’t realize Stewie was ‘it’ all night,” Clark quipped. “Credit to her, though. She knows how to work the refs, how to position herself. That’s elite stuff.”

Sabrina, always ready with a punchline, later posted an Instagram story showing Stewart icing her arms post-game with the caption: “When you carry a whole team and a whistle. 💪🚨”

Fans ate it up.

It’s moments like these — the blend of elite athleticism, fierce competition, and light-hearted camaraderie — that make this Liberty squad one of the most beloved teams in the league. Stewart is the reigning MVP for a reason, but what makes this team tick is the balance of killer instincts and good vibes.

And Sabrina? She’s the heart of that vibe.

Whether it’s firing off meme-worthy tweets or hyping her teammates with inside jokes, she keeps the team loose, focused, and unified. It’s no wonder they’re one of the top teams in the league — they’re not just playing for wins, they’re having fun while doing it.

The aftermath of the 16-foul spectacle will likely be reviewed in league circles. Don’t be surprised if the Valkyries start adjusting their defensive strategy or if refs begin to take a closer look at how Stewart is able to draw so much contact. But in the moment, it was pure entertainment.

With the Liberty rolling and the Valkyries still finding their footing, this matchup felt like a classic veteran vs. rookie showdown. And while Stewart let her game do the talking, Sabrina was there with the mic — or rather, the tweet — to deliver the punchline.

As fans flooded Twitter and Instagram with jokes, memes, and admiration, one thing became clear: this Liberty team is box office. They’ve got stars, they’ve got humor, and they’ve got each other’s backs.

“16 fouls?” Sabrina said again later in a postgame livestream. “I told her she should’ve gone for 20. Gotta set the record somehow.”

Who knows — at this rate, she just might.