Before Sunday, the New York Liberty’s season felt like a string of bad luck. But in their playoff game against the Phoenix Mercury, things took an unexpected turn when Breanna Stewart injured her left knee.
The game itself was not impressive. Despite the excitement of playoff basketball, neither team played at their best. Players seemed off their game. For instance, Satou Sabally made only 2 of her 17 shots, while Emma Meesseman struggled too, finishing with a disappointing -17 rating in 13 minutes on the court. Coach Sandy Brondello relied heavily on her starters, with Sabrina Ionescu logging 43 minutes of play.
Even with offensive troubles, the Liberty hung in there. Natasha Cloud stepped up, scoring 23 points and hitting 3 of 6 three-pointers. Post-game, Brondello praised her growth and ability to nail those open shots.
However, everything changed in overtime. Stewart made a tough layup after cutting past a defender but landed awkwardly, clutching her knee in visible pain. Though she returned briefly, it was clear she was struggling. Brondello later remarked on Stewart’s discomfort and the need to take her out.
Stewart has faced her share of injuries over the years. After recovering from an Achilles tear in 2020, she went on to excel. But injuries have plagued her since, affecting her performance and statistics. Over the last two seasons, her three-point shooting has dipped below 30%, a significant drop from her earlier career average.
Despite this, Stewart remains a key player. If she can’t contribute in Game 2, the Liberty’s chances dim significantly. Her absence during 13 regular-season games saw the team lose eight of them, many to weaker opponents. The stakes are high as the Liberty move forward, and they can only hope for positive news on her injury.
This season has been a rollercoaster, where every game feels laden with tension. The Liberty need to rally together, leveraging their strengths while hoping for Stewart’s quick return.
For more insights on WNBA playoff dynamics, you can read about how injuries impact team performance in this recent study.
In sports, resilience is everything. The Liberty face a test of grit and teamwork as they navigate these challenges.
