New York – The New York Liberty overcame the challenges imposed by injuries 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, solidifying their position in fifth place in the standings as the WNBA regular season enters its final phase. Ionescu suffered an injury to a toe on his left foot at the end of Wednesday’s training, and Jones didn’t feel well on Thursday morning, being a late addition to the injury report. New York was also affected by the absences of Natasha Cloud (broken nose) and Nyara Sabally (knee), resulting in only eight available players at the start of the game.
Stewart, who returned on Monday after missing 13 games due to a bone contusion in his right knee, was still under minute restriction and only played 24 minutes, but managed to score 12 points and add 9 rebounds. Meesseman led the team with 15 points, while Johannes scored 14. Washington first-year coach Sydney Johnson learned of the absence of two of the Liberty’s stars shortly before the game.Welcome to the 2025 New York Liberty. It’s been crazy.
Sandy Brondello, coach
New York has a 10-0 record when Ionescu, Jones, and Stewart finish games. Without them, the record is 13-15. The Liberty began the game in a full fight for the playoffs, placing themselves half a game behind Phoenix for the fourth place and home-court advantage in the first round.They have a lot of people. We have big challenges ahead. So Sabrina and JJ won’t be there, but others will. I can guarantee that.
Sydney Johnson, Washington coach
