Breanna Stewart is defying expectations as she returns from knee surgery to lead the New York Liberty in the 2025 WNBA season. Coming off a championship win in 2024 and preparing to headline the new Unrivaled 3-on-3 league this winter, Stewart has already been instrumental in guiding the Liberty to an undefeated 3-0 start.

Though recovering from an arthroscopic knee procedure this offseason, Stewart has played more minutes than initially advised, challenging the limits set for her return.

Playing Beyond the Prescribed Minutes Restriction

Stewart underwent surgery nine weeks before the season began and was expected to adhere to a 22-minute maximum per game. However, she has consistently surpassed that limit, logging 27, 25, and even 36 minutes in the first three contests. Speaking candidly on the podcast A Touch More, hosted by former WNBA star Sue Bird and soccer player Megan Rapinoe, Stewart expressed confidence in her knee’s condition and frustration with imposed restrictions.

“I had surgery nine weeks ago. I was supposed to be on a minutes restriction today, it was supposed to be 22 minutes. I was at 22 minutes before I went back in in the fourth. I was like, ‘Eeeeh.’ It’s fine.”

—Breanna Stewart

“I was like, ‘This is some bull(expletive).”

—Breanna Stewart

Balancing Short-Term Risks With Long-Term Goals

The Liberty organization is focused on a championship repeat, with hopes of facing Minnesota again in the WNBA Finals. Managing Stewart’s minutes early in the season is part of a strategy to preserve her health for the playoff push in September. However, Stewart’s determination to play extended minutes highlights the tension between cautious recovery and competitive drive.

Her decision to exceed the minutes restriction underscores her role as a cornerstone for the team’s success and the difficult balance between injury management and on-court leadership.