NEW YORK – Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm was named the WNBA Rookie of the Month presented by Samsung for games played in May.

The WNBA Rookie of the Month and the Eastern and Western Conference Player of the Month awards are presented by Samsung and are part of the larger WNBA Performance Awards presented by Samsung program.  This marks the third consecutive season that Samsung, an official WNBA marketing partner, will present the WNBA’s highest individual honors, including the WNBA Most Valuable Player, WNBA Most Improved Player, WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year, WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and WNBA Rookie of the Year.

In May, Stewart led all rookies in points (17.4 ppg), rebounds (8.8 rpg) and blocks (2.0 bpg) and was second in assists (2.4 apg) in five games.  She tied for third among all WNBA players in rebounds and blocks and ranked 10^th in points while equaling the league high in minutes (36.2 mpg).

Stewart made her professional debut on May 15, finishing with 23 points (on 9-of-13 shooting from the field), six rebounds and three assists in a 96-66 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks.  That performance marked the first of five consecutive double-digit scoring games for Stewart, the first overall pick in WNBA Draft 2016 presented by State Farm and the only player in college basketball history to be named the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player four times.   With the UConn alum leading the Storm in rebounds, blocks and steals (1.6 spg) and ranking second on the team in points, Seattle opened the season 2-3.

Highlights of Stewart’s month included:

• May 15 at Los Angeles: Finished with 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals in a 96-66 loss.
• May 20 at Phoenix: Recorded her first double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds in an 81-80 win.
• May 26 vs. Washington: Posted 25 points, seven rebounds, four blocks, four steals and three assists in 41 minutes in an 84-82 overtime loss.

For more information on this year’s WNBA Performance Awards presented by Samsung, visit www.wnba.com/awards.

About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), is a recognized innovation leader in consumer electronics design and technology.  A wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., SEA delivers a broad range of digital consumer electronics, IT and home appliance products. Samsung is the market leader for HDTVs in the U.S and America’s fastest growing home appliance brand. To discover more of the award-winning products you love with Samsung, please visit www.samsung.com.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 236,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales of US$187.8 billion.

About the WNBA
The WNBA, which features 12 teams, is a unique global sports property combining competition, sportsmanship, and entertainment with its status as an icon for social change, achievement, and diversity.  The league, which counts Verizon as its leaguewide marquee partner, began its 20^th season on May 14, 2016.

Through WNBA Cares, the WNBA is deeply committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and positive body image, increase breast and women’s health awareness, support youth and family development, and focus on education.  For more information on the WNBA, log on to www.wnba.com.