The New York Liberty are staring down a pivotal Game 2 in their first-round series against the Phoenix Mercury. But uncertainty lingers over the availability of their star forward, Breanna Stewart. After injuring her left knee late in the opener, Stewart’s status is officially a game-time decision, casting shadows over the team’s quest to secure a further spot in the postseason.
While fans anxiously await clarity, head coach Sany Brondello is determined to keep her team focused on the task at hand.
What Did Sandy Brondello Say Amid Breanna Stewart Uncertainty?
Breanna Stewart, a two-time WNBA MVP, hurt her knee while driving to the basket in overtime of Sunday’s 76-69 Liberty win. She grimaced on landing, clutched her knee, and exited moments later, finishing the night with 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
An MRI on Monday came back “relatively clean”, but Brondello confirmed she would not practice on Tuesday, and her availability remains in limbo. “It’s going to be a game-day, game-time decision,” Brondello explained. “We’ll give her as much time as we can.”
Even with uncertainty, Brondello delivered a clear message to her team about their mindset heading into Wednesday’s game. “We’re ready to go. Stewie’s in, Stewie’s out. We’re ready to go. We know what’s at stake here. We got to be a desperate team, you know, and take care. We don’t want to go back to Phoenix, but they’re going to come in hungry. We know that.”
Sandy Brondello after practice today, emphasized the team is ready to go no matter Stewie’s status:
“We’re ready to go. Stewie’s in, stewie’s out. We’re ready to go. We know what’s at stake here. We got to be a desperate team, you know, and take care. We don’t want to go back… pic.twitter.com/4K7zXJFcoq
— NYLFTV (@NYLibertyFanTV) September 16, 2025
That sense of urgency comes from more than playoff stakes alone. The Liberty have battled injuries all season, deploying 18 different starting lineups and navigating absences from Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu.
Despite starting the season 9-0, New York slipped to a 27-17 finish, ultimately claiming the No. 5 seed.
What Are Liberty’s High-Stakes Implications Without Breanna Stewart?
Should Stewart sit out or be limited, the Liberty will turn to Kennedy Burke and Emma Meesseman to help shoulder the load. Burke was seen practicing with the starters on Tuesday. While Meesseman, a 2019 WNBA Finals MVP, has already proven capable of filling gaps since joining New York mid-season.
Jonquel Jones emphasized that the team is no stranger to adversity. “That’s been our MO all season,” she said. “We’ve done a really good job of staying together and learning from it.”
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The stakes, however, are clear. To move forward, New York must win Game 2 at home. If they lose, the series shifts to Phoenix for a do-or-die Game 3. With the Mercury rallying behind veteran Alyssa Thomas and the Liberty still adjusting to lineup uncertainty, every possession will be magnified.
Even if Stewart plays, her mobility and endurance could be tested, especially after she missed 13 games earlier this year with a right knee bone bruise. But Brondello’s directive remains clear: whether Stewart suits up or not, the Liberty need to approach Game 2 with composure.
