Seattle Storm forward Breanna Stewart was named the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player, and she will receive the award later in the day as the Storm host Phoenix in a semifinal series opener at KeyArena.
Stewart has averaged 21.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.4 blocks for Seattle this season.
“In this league, I’m playing against however many former national players of the year, and going against the best competition every night,” Stewart said, according to ESPN”S Mechelle Voepel. “And really trying to play my best and show that to everyone.
“We have team goals, and I have individual goals for myself. And being MVP was a goal that I had. I wanted to prepare like this was going to be an MVP-type season. To go out and leave everything on the court.”
Stewart has made efforts to improve her fitness by practicing yoga, pilates, and a healthier diet.
“I’m making sure I’m getting enough calories and the right portions, plus just finding healthy snacks, and not having unhealthy snacks in my house. Because if I see them, I’ll eat them.”
Stewart also credits Sue Bird, whom she worked out with, along with Jewell Loyd, following her return from China.
“Sue has played a big factor in it for me,”Stewart said.”I got some guidance in what I should be doing.
“One of the things I talked to Sue about was, ‘If you could have started doing all this with your diet at 23, would you?’ And she said, ‘Yeah, definitely.’ That’s all I need to hear. She’s 37, and still remains the best of the best, and continues to be great.”
Stewart has been on a meteoric rise since coming into the WNBA a few short seasons ago.
“I think part of it is being more prepared for the strength and physicality of this league, and then understanding our system,” Stewart said. “We had a coaching change, but the way we played kind of remained the same. I know where I’m going to get my best opportunities to score.”