Breanna Stewart, doubtful for Playoff Game 2
New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart is questionable for the second game of the WNBA playoff series against the Phoenix Mercury. This was confirmed by coach Sandy Brondello after Tuesday’s practice at the Barclays Center. Stewart suffered a left knee injury during the first game, where the Liberty achieved an overtime victory to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. Although he attended Tuesday’s training, Stewart did not actively participate. He was seen walking without noticeably limping and was wearing a gray compression sleeve on his left leg. The team, seeded number 5 and current WNBA champion, did not make any statements to the media regarding Stewart’s situation.Brondello highlighted Stewart’s mental fortitude, suggesting that her participation will depend on her ability to play. During the first game, with just over 3 minutes remaining in overtime, Stewart scored a crucial basket despite apparent discomfort. After the play, he grabbed his left knee in obvious pain, although he was able to continue playing and finished the game with 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Stewart had already missed 13 games this season due to a bone bruise in his right knee. Sabrina Ionescu downplayed the challenges of preparing for Game 2 amid uncertainty about Stewart’s availability, indicating that the team is prepared to adapt to any situation. The Liberty have faced various injuries throughout the season, including the absence of Betnijah Laney-Hamilton and Jonquel Jones, in addition to other players who have missed several games. Stewart, a two-time WNBA MVP, leads the Liberty in points per game (18.3), blocks per game (1.4), and steals per game (1.4). She is also second in rebounds with 6.6 per game.The results of the tests performed on Stewart’s knee were “relatively clean”, but no specific details about the injury were given.
Sandy Brondello
