New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart is questionable for Game 2 of the team’s first-round series against the Phoenix Mercury after injuring her left knee in overtime of New York’s 76-69 win on Sunday.
Stewart didn’t practice Tuesday after she had an MRI on Monday that came back “relatively clean,” according to coach Sandy Brondello. Game 2 of the series is Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET in Brooklyn.
“It’s going to be a game-day, game-time decision,” Brondello said. “So your guess is as good as mine. We’ll see how she goes tomorrow. We’ll give her as much time as we can.”
Stewart sustained the injury with 3:01 remaining in overtime when she attempted a driving layup on the left baseline. She made the shot and also got fouled. When she landed on the court, she appeared to grimace and immediately grabbed at her left knee. Stewart remained in the game for an additional 54 seconds. According to Brondello, Stewart asked to be subbed out with New York leading by seven points.
Stewart missed 13 games this season because of a bone bruise on her right knee. She also underwent surgery on her right knee in March after the conclusion of Unrivaled, the winter 3×3 professional league she co-founded. Before her absence this summer, Stewart had only missed two games since signing with the Liberty in 2023.
“We’re ready to go. Stewie’s in. Stewie’s out. We’re ready to go. We know what’s at stake,” Brondello said. “We don’t want to go back to Phoenix, but they’re going to come in hungry. We know that.”
Stewart was present at practice and did not appear to be wearing a knee brace; however, in the portion of practice open to the media, she stood to the side of the court with team staffers and appeared to walk gingerly.
The Liberty dealt with numerous injuries to key players throughout the season, using 18 different starting lineups. New York opened the year 9-0 before going 18-17 in its remaining 35 games.
“That’s been our MO all season,” Jones said of the injuries.
Should Stewart be sidelined or even limited Wednesday, expect more minutes for forward Kennedy Burke. Burke was seen practicing with the starters during the open portion of practice on Tuesday. Burke played in 36 games this season, starting nine. She averaged 8.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
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