Breanna Stewart under evaluation after knee injury
New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart underwent an MRI and other tests on Monday to evaluate the left knee injury suffered during the first game of the WNBA first-round series against the Phoenix Mercury. The game ended with a victory for the Liberty 76-69. Stewart was injured in overtime, with 3:01 left, while attempting a layup against Satou Sabally and DeWanna Bonner of Phoenix. The player already seemed to be in pain as she went up, and upon falling to the court, immediately grabbed her left knee. Although she initially remained in the game, Liberty coach Sandy Brondello reported that Stewart requested to be substituted due to “discomfort.” On the bench, Stewart looked visibly affected and with tears in her eyes. Brondello did not offer details about Stewart’s condition after the game, who finished with 18 points. “We hope she’s okay,” commented the coach. It should be remembered that Stewart missed 13 regular season games due to a bone contusion in his right knee and, in March, underwent arthroscopic surgery on the same knee. Despite Stewart’s departure, New York won the first game and stole home-court advantage from the Mercury. Natasha Cloud, who played in Phoenix last season, scored two consecutive layups to give the Liberty a two-point lead with 4:17 left in the final quarter. Kahleah Copper responded with two free throws, and after a turnover by Sabrina Ionescu, Alyssa Thomas made a no-look pass to Copper, who scored a layup that gave the Mercury a 65-63 lead with 1:44 remaining. Stewart then hit a tough basket in the zone 13 seconds later, which eventually forced overtime.Cloud scored a three-pointer to open the overtime and start an 8-0 run that put the score at 73-65 with 1:51 left. Phoenix cut the deficit to four points, but Leonie Fiebich, who finished with 10 points, scored a crucial three-pointer to secure the victory.We looked around and realized we had been in that position before. We understood how important the extension is and knew we had another level to reach. I am proud of the way we stuck together; we overcame the streaks they had and, finally, found a way to win.
Sabrina Ionescu
The Liberty, who averaged 13.8 turnovers in the regular season, finished with 20, one less than their season high, including 14 after halftime. With or without Stewart, the Liberty can sweep the series in Wednesday’s second game and advance to the semifinals for the second consecutive season. Despite the uncertainty about Stewart’s availability, the Liberty don’t want to miss the opportunity to close out this series quickly.She had missed some at the beginning, but I knew she was going to make the most important one of the night. That’s what she does… she’s one of the best three-point shooters in the world.
Sabrina Ionescu on Fiebich
We have the advantage. We won on their court, and now the advantage is for us to take care of. This is an experienced team, and we’ve been here before. We know what our goal is, and we want to keep playing.
Sandy Brondello
