New York Liberty’s star forward, Breanna Stewart, left the game just three minutes after tip-off due to a lower leg injury during their closely contested match against the Los Angeles Sparks. The injury came after Stewart had already scored three points and secured a rebound, leaving Liberty coach Sandy Brondello cautiously hopeful that the issue is not severe. Despite Stewart’s early departure, the Liberty fought hard but ultimately fell short, losing 101-99 and slipping to a 17-7 record for the season.
Impact of Stewart’s Absence on Liberty’s Season and Upcoming Road Games
Stewart, a two-time WNBA MVP, has been central to the Liberty’s success this year, averaging 19 points, 6.8 rebounds, and four assists per game in 2025. Her sudden injury poses a significant challenge as New York prepares for a demanding schedule that includes five of their next six games away from home. While Brondello did not offer immediate details on the severity of Stewart’s condition, she expressed optimism for a speedy recovery, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the star player’s status for upcoming fixtures.
Liberty’s Recent Performance and Stewart’s Fatigue Comments
The game against the Sparks came the day after the Liberty had defeated the Phoenix Mercury. Stewart recorded only six points in that previous match, marking her lowest scoring output this season. She reflected on her condition, stating,
“I don’t want to give an excuse for being fatigued because we did have two days off,”
adding,
“I just gotta get my legs back underneath me.”
Sparks’ Resilience Secures Last-Second Victory
During the game, the Sparks pushed their lead to as much as 15 points. Nevertheless, New York repeatedly battled back, leveling the score several times in the fourth quarter. Rickea Jackson emerged as the key figure for Los Angeles, finishing with 24 points and clinching the game-winning layup as time expired.
“We worked really hard for this win,”
Jackson remarked, highlighting the team‘s determination.
Contributions from Other Sparks Players Highlight Team Strength
Dearica Hamby and Azura Stevens also played critical roles in the Sparks’ triumph, both scoring 17 points and recording double-doubles. Stevens achieved her seventh double-double of the season, underlining her consistent presence on the court. Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts praised her team’s perseverance, saying,
“We bent, and we bent, but we didn’t break,”
and added, “We just kept coming back.”
Next Steps for Liberty Without Their Leading Forward
With Stewart’s availability uncertain, the New York Liberty face a daunting stretch of road games that will test their depth and resilience. Losing a player of Stewart’s caliber could influence their ability to maintain momentum in the tightly contested WNBA season. How the team adapts in her absence will be critical to their quest for continued success as they navigate the challenges ahead.