Breanna Stewart’s Injury Puts Liberty’s Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy

New York’s star forward, Breanna Stewart, is a significant concern for the Liberty as they prepare for Game 2 of the WNBA playoff series against the Phoenix Mercury on March 27, 2024. The Liberty currently lead the best-of-three series 1-0 and can secure a spot in the semifinals with a win. Conversely, a victory for the Mercury would set up a decisive third game on March 29.

Stewart, a seven-time All-Star, suffered a left knee injury late in the Liberty’s 76-69 overtime victory on March 24. Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello stated that Stewart’s imaging results were “relatively clean,” but her status remains a game-time decision. Point guard Natasha Cloud expressed concern for her teammate, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the team. “We care about Stewie more than just as a basketball player,” Cloud said. “She got us the win, but we have a next-man-up mentality.”

In Game 1, Stewart demonstrated her value, contributing 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists. She also played a crucial defensive role against Mercury star Alyssa Thomas, who finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Notably, Thomas missed a critical layup with two seconds remaining that could have clinched the game for Phoenix.

Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts highlighted his team’s lack of experience as a potential disadvantage. “Experience is one thing our group can’t make up for,” he remarked. This relative inexperience may have contributed to poor performances from key players. Satou Sabally, aged 27, struggled with her shooting, finishing just 2-for-17, while teammate Monique Akoa Makani, 24, managed only 2-for-11. As a team, Phoenix shot a mere 32.5 percent from the field, which allowed New York to secure the win despite committing 21 turnovers, significantly more than the Mercury’s 11.

The Liberty’s second-half performance included 14 turnovers, raising concerns about ball security. Additionally, the Mercury’s bench outscored New York’s reserves 21-2, indicating a need for more production from Phoenix’s starters. To advance, the Mercury will need improved performances, particularly from Sabally, who struggled with her three-point shooting, making just 1 of 10 attempts.

As for the Liberty, if Stewart is unable to play in Game 2, the onus will fall on center Jonquel Jones and reserve power forward Emma Meesseman. The pair combined for only nine points in the previous match, a stark contrast to their capabilities; Jones was named MVP of last year’s WNBA Finals, while Meesseman earned the same title in 2019. Should Stewart sit out, Meesseman is expected to step into the starting lineup, amplifying the importance of both players in the upcoming game.

As the playoff intensity rises, the Liberty will aim to capitalize on their home-court advantage, while the Mercury look to rally back and force a decisive Game 3. The outcome of Game 2 could significantly alter the trajectory of both teams’ seasons.