The defending champion New York Liberty faced their biggest test yet in the 2025 WNBA playoffs. What started as a thrilling Game 1 victory over the Phoenix Mercury quickly turned into a nightmare scenario when Breanna Stewart collapsed to the court clutching her left knee.
With 3:01 left in overtime and the Liberty clinging to their championship hopes, their franchise cornerstone went down on what should have been a momentum-shifting play. Now, with Game 2 looming at Barclays Center, one question dominates everything: Can the Liberty survive without their superstar?
How Serious Is Breanna Stewart’s Left Knee Injury?
Stewart’s injury occurred during what appeared to be a routine play that showcased her trademark clutch gene. She drove through traffic and converted a tough and-1 layup over Satou Sabally with just over three minutes remaining in overtime. The basket had all the hallmarks of Stewart’s playoff brilliance, but the aftermath was alarming.
She immediately grabbed her left knee upon landing and remained on the court in visible pain. Despite the discomfort, Stewart attempted the free throw but missed before signaling to the bench. Coach Sandy Brondello pulled her from the game at the 2:07 mark, and she did not return.
Breanna Stewart : 18 points on 7-14 shooting, 1-3 from 3, 3-5 from the FT line, 6 rebounds, 4 assists & 2 steals in 40 minutes (Injured her left knee with 3 minutes remaining in OT. She tried to come back & play but she went to the locker room and didn’t return) pic.twitter.com/rvB5Ptdn9M
— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) September 15, 2025
Brondello provided little clarity after the game, telling reporters, “No, no, we only just got back to the locker room. I’m sure she’ll be evaluated soon.” The coach admitted that Stewart asked to be substituted out and “looked uncomfortable” on the bench, where she was seen with tears in her eyes.
Coach Brondello when asked if she had an update on Breanna Stewart’s injury:
“No… I’m sure she’ll be evaluated soon.”
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) September 14, 2025
The timing couldn’t be worse for the Liberty. Stewart already missed 13 games earlier in the 2024-25 season with a bone bruise in her right knee, and the team’s record slipped to 5-8 during her absence. This latest injury affects her left knee, but any extended absence would devastate New York’s championship aspirations.
What Does Stewart’s Potential Absence Mean for the Liberty’s Title Defense?
Before exiting the game, Stewart posted 18 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 40 minutes of action. These numbers underscore her importance to every aspect of New York’s game plan. Her versatility on both ends of the court has been the foundation of the Liberty’s success since their championship run in 2024-25.
The ripple effects of losing Stewart would be massive for a team already dealing with injury concerns throughout the season. The Liberty used over a dozen different starting lineups during the regular season, with stars like Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones also missing time due to various ailments.
Natasha Cloud’s 23-point performance led the way in Game 1, showcasing her ability to step up in crucial moments. However, without Stewart’s scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence, the burden on Cloud and the rest of the roster would increase dramatically.
Jonquel Jones’ interior play becomes even more critical, while Emma Meesseman’s late-season signing may prove prophetic if she’s suddenly thrust into a starring role.
The Liberty’s depth will be tested like never before. The team has shown resilience throughout the 2024-25 campaign, but losing their franchise centerpiece during the playoffs presents an entirely different challenge. Coach Brondello’s experience and the team’s championship pedigree will be put to the ultimate test.
Can the Liberty Still Win Without Their Star?
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Stewart’s status, the Liberty maintains a crucial advantage heading into Game 2. They already stole home-court advantage with their overtime victory in Phoenix, meaning they control their own destiny in the best-of-three series.
As Brondello noted after the game, “We have the advantage. We won an away game, and we won on their home court. Now the advantage is for us to take care of it. And this, like you said, is an experienced team. We’ve been here before, and we know what our goal is, and you know, we want to keep playing.”
For Stewart, the coming medical evaluation will determine whether her season continues or ends in heartbreak. They’ve proven they can win the big games before, but now they must do it while holding their breath about their biggest star.
