In a shocking upset, the Phoenix Mercury beat defending champions New York Liberty to advance to the semifinals. There was ample reaction to the Mercury’s victory, many blaming the team’s management and WNBA referees.
Of course, some blame fell on Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello. Fans believed Brondello’s roster decisions affected the team’s performance, which in turn caused them to lose their Round 1 matchup against Phoenix.
Breanna Stewart Reacts to Reporter Boldly Questioning HC Sandy Brondello’s Future With the Team
With few fans believing Brondello to be the problem, many analysts and reports doubted the popular coach’s future in New York. Though there’s little chance of a coach change, the possibility of a new order was discussed.
However, Liberty players haven’t stopped placing their faith in Brondello.
After the 79-73 Game 3 loss, Brondello, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu spoke to the media.
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“What would you say to those who questioned whether Sandy should be here next year to coach you guys again?” the reporter asked.
Stewart, with an unfiltered reaction, said: “What the f–k?”
The reporter quickly clarified that she wasn’t the one asking the questions, but others had been questioning Brondello’s place with the team. Though Ionescu’s expression remained unchanged, Brondello gave a small smile at Stewart’s candid response.
“To anybody who questions Sandy being here, this is a resilient group: she has our back and we have hers. The way she continued to deal with the cards she was dealt was incredible. It wasn’t easy for anybody, but she came in every day with a positive attitude and a mindset to put us in the best position possible,” Stewart said.
Though this year’s campaign was disappointing, one can’t write off Brondello so easily. She has won two WNBA titles as a coach — one with the Mercury (2014) and one with the Liberty (2024). And while some bad decisions were made, it’s impossible to write off Brondello after one year of failure at the playoffs.
Could the Liberty Have Won Under Better Circumstances?
Throughout their 2025 season, the Liberty had two problems: a string of injuries and reduced efficiency and effort. Their defense dipped, and they were also unable to convert many chances into points.
Furthermore, a slew of injuries affected the team’s on-court chemistry.
Stewart, acknowledging their turbulent season and bad decisions, chose to focus on their upcoming 2026 season already:
“We’re not gonna be a team that points fingers. There’s a lot of us that could have done better this season. But we’re still gonna fight and show up for each other every single day. And I think that’s just the most important part. We have Sandy’s back.”
While the Mercury head to a semifinals matchup against the Minnesota Lynx, the Liberty will have ample time to relax and regroup before the 2026 WNBA season arrives.
