Breanna Stewart is moving closer to rejoining the New York Liberty lineup, targeting a return on August 27, which coincides with her 31st birthday. Despite still recovering from a bone bruise on her knee and missing recent games, Stewart’s planned comeback aims to reignite the Liberty’s championship aspirations during this critical stretch of the season.
Stewart remained sidelined for the team’s rematch against the Minnesota Lynx, revisiting last year’s intense Finals rivalry, but she participated partially in a rare practice session at the Barclays Center. The two-time WNBA MVP’s gradual return signals progress in her rehabilitation and fuel for the team’s playoff hopes.
Progress and Cautious Optimism From Coaching Staff
Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello expressed cautious optimism regarding Stewart’s conditioning and recovery, stressing a measured approach to her reintegration.
“She looked good. We didn’t really go live, so we’ll keep building her up these next few days,”
Brondello said.
“She feels good, she looks good. So hopefully we can get her back when we can, it’s not tomorrow, it’s not probably next game either, but we’ll get her back sooner.”
Regarding the target return date, Brondello confirmed,
“that’s the plan and it hasn’t changed,”
underscoring the team’s commitment to Stewart making her return on August 27.
Stewart has been out since July 26, following a knee injury sustained during a loss to Los Angeles. Her absence has lasted 11 consecutive games, with the Liberty going 4-6 in that span, highlighting the challenge the team faces without their star player on the court.
Team Response During Stewart’s Absence
Though the Liberty have struggled in Stewart’s absence, her injury allowed other players an opportunity to contribute and adjust. Notably, new addition Emma Meesseman has quickly become a key part of the team’s championship defense, averaging 15.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in her first seven games with New York.
Coach Brondello attributed some growth to the team‘s collective efforts during this period.
“It’s a collective effort. It’s one of your best players. There are areas where we struggle too, without Stewie, with the ability to put the ball in the hands and her ability to switch and rotate and rebound, but I think we’ve grown,”
she said.
“It allowed us to integrate Emma. I think that was one positive out of it, if you’re going to see anything out of a positive in an injury. I think Marine (Johannes) has gotten more comfortable and playing really good defense. Everyone’s had their moments, but we got to have more moments.”
Other Key Injuries and Recovery Updates
Alongside Stewart’s progress, the Liberty are monitoring other players on the injury list. Nyara Sabally was seen in practice gear mostly observing as she awaited further evaluation, though she continues to train and is “progressing really well,” according to Brondello. Isabelle Harrison, meanwhile, remains in concussion protocol and is considered day-to-day, leaving her availability uncertain in the near term.
Anticipated Impact of Stewart’s Return on Liberty’s Season
Breanna Stewart’s planned comeback on August 27 carries significant weight in the Liberty’s push for a deep playoff run. Her presence on the court is expected to restore a crucial element to the team’s offense, defense, and overall dynamics. As Stewart and the team build momentum, the Liberty look to close the gap in the standings and defend their status as Finals contenders.
With Stewart’s return offering a revitalized core and Meesseman’s steady contributions, New York aims to reshape its trajectory in the regular season’s final weeks. The balance of health and performance may well determine the Liberty’s ability to overcome recent setbacks and compete for the WNBA title once again.