Breanna Stewart - Connecticut Sun v New York Liberty - Game Two
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Breanna Stewart (#30) of the New York Liberty dribbles during the second half against the Connecticut Sun during Game Two of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Barclays Center on September 26, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Liberty won 84-77. Sarah Stier/Getty Images

New York Liberty star forward Breanna Stewart has been honored with her second Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) Most Valuable Player award on Tuesday, September 26.

This accolade comes on the heels of a stellar season in which she led the Brooklyn-based team to a franchise-best record of 32-8 alongside point guard Sabrina Ionescu and power forward/center Jonquel Jones.

The 29-year-old came out on top in a tight MVP race against Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas, who achieved the WNBA record for most triple-doubles in league history, and Las Vegas Aces forward A'ja Wilson, the recipient of the 2022 award.

The award was decided by the second-narrowest margin in league history, with only a seven-point difference between the top two contenders.

Stewart garnered 20 out of the 60 first-place votes and 446 points (including 23 second-place and 17 third-place votes).

Thomas secured the second spot with 439 points, driven by 23 first-place votes, while Wilson ranked third with 433 points, backed by 17 first-place votes.

Stewart previously earned her first WNBA MVP in 2018 during her tenure with the Seattle Storm.

Liberty bounce back

Meanwhile, the Liberty bounced back from an ugly Game 1 loss in the WNBA semifinals to win Game 2, 84-77, to even the series.

Sabrina Ionescu led the way with 21 points, five assists, and two rebounds. The newly crowned league MVP contributed 11 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and a playoff-high five blocks.