Breanna Stewart injury casts doubt over the New York Liberty ahead of Game 2
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Sep 16, 2025, 05:21 IST
New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart suffered a left knee injury during Sunday’s 76-69 win over the Phoenix Mercury in Game 1 of their best-of-three playoff series. Stewart’s availability for Game 2, which will determine a semifinal spot, remains uncertain. Despite injuries to key players this season, Liberty holds a 1-0 series lead and aims to advance to the WNBA semifinals.
The New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart suffered a left knee injury during Sunday's match against the Phoenix Mercury. The Liberty secured a 76-69 victory over the Mercury in game 1 of their best-of-three round playoff series.
The injury raises doubt on the availability of Stewart for the upcoming Game 2, which will decide who earns a spot in the semifinals.
Stewart got fouled driving along the baseline and immediately grabbed her left knee in pain, raising concern from teammates and coaches. After Liberty’s time out, she remained in the game and attempted a free throw but missed it. She was subbed out shortly afterwards with a visible knee brace over the injury.
Sand Brondellom, New York Liberty coach, said that Stewart had asked to come out, signalling the severity of the discomfort.
Before leaving the game, Stewart had 18 points and six rebounds. She had been playing a strong season for Liberty, and her presence is crucial in the highly competitive playoffs. Breanna Stewart missed a month of the season after sustaining a bone bruise on her right knee in late July.
The series shifts to Barclays Centre for game 2 on Wednesday night, giving Stewart an extra day to recover. The Liberty struggled with injuries throughout this season. Besides Stewart, Jonquel Jones missed out on the early season of the WNBA with a sprained ankle and Sabrina Ionescu was sidelined in the regular season due to a toe injury during practice. Despite facing these challenges, Liberty entered the playoffs as the No. 3 seed.
As game 2 approaches, Liberty will most likely play Emma Meesseman, who won the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP while being with the Washington Mystics. Emma was signed by the liberty in August. With a 1-0 lead, Liberty is looking forward to advancing to the WNBA semifinals.
The injury raises doubt on the availability of Stewart for the upcoming Game 2, which will decide who earns a spot in the semifinals.
Stewart got fouled driving along the baseline and immediately grabbed her left knee in pain, raising concern from teammates and coaches. After Liberty’s time out, she remained in the game and attempted a free throw but missed it. She was subbed out shortly afterwards with a visible knee brace over the injury.
Sand Brondellom, New York Liberty coach, said that Stewart had asked to come out, signalling the severity of the discomfort.
Before leaving the game, Stewart had 18 points and six rebounds. She had been playing a strong season for Liberty, and her presence is crucial in the highly competitive playoffs. Breanna Stewart missed a month of the season after sustaining a bone bruise on her right knee in late July.
The series shifts to Barclays Centre for game 2 on Wednesday night, giving Stewart an extra day to recover. The Liberty struggled with injuries throughout this season. Besides Stewart, Jonquel Jones missed out on the early season of the WNBA with a sprained ankle and Sabrina Ionescu was sidelined in the regular season due to a toe injury during practice. Despite facing these challenges, Liberty entered the playoffs as the No. 3 seed.
As game 2 approaches, Liberty will most likely play Emma Meesseman, who won the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP while being with the Washington Mystics. Emma was signed by the liberty in August. With a 1-0 lead, Liberty is looking forward to advancing to the WNBA semifinals.