New York – The New York Liberty overcame injury setbacks to defeat the Washington Mystics with a score of 89-63 on Thursday night. Despite the absences of Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, Emma Meesseman, and Marine Johannes took the lead to guide the Liberty to a resounding victory over the Mystics. This triumph solidifies their position in fifth place in the standings as the WNBA regular season enters its final phase. Ionescu suffered a left toe injury at the end of Wednesday’s training, while Jones didn’t feel well on Thursday morning, which added her to the injury list at the last minute. New York was also affected by the absences of Natasha Cloud (broken nose) and Nyara Sabally (knee), leaving the team with only eight players available at the start of the game.
The Liberty got their star, Breanna Stewart, back on Monday after she missed 13 games due to a bone bruise in her right knee. Stewart, although with minute restrictions and playing only 24 minutes, scored 12 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Meesseman led the team with 15 points, while Johannes scored 14 to keep the Liberty seven games ahead of the Minnesota Lynx, league leaders. Washington coach Sydney Johnson learned of the absences of two of the Liberty’s stars shortly before the game.Welcome to the New York Liberty 2025. It’s been crazy.
Sandy Brondello, coach
New York has a 10-0 record when Ionescu, Jones, and Stewart finish the games. Without them, the record is 13-15. The Liberty began the game in full pursuit of the playoffs, sitting half a game behind Phoenix for the fourth seed and home-court advantage in the first round.They have a lot of people. We have big challenges ahead. Sabrina and JJ won’t be there, but there will be others. I guarantee it.
Sydney Johnson, coach
