After a stunning win at the PHX Arena, the New York Liberty will have its nose in front against the Phoenix Mercury in the opening series of the 2025 WNBA playoffs. The side will return to the Barclays Center, and Breana Stewart and other players are already hyped up for game 2.
Even though the New York Liberty faced backlash over $28,000 WNBA playoff ticket prices, the side could expect to see a packed arena as the fans showed support throughout the season. The veteran forward and Natasha Cloud highlight the importance of the crowd in such games.
Breanna Stewart And Natasha Cloud Praise Home Crowd Support
The playoff games are pressure situations; hence, the home court advantage plays a vital role in the team’s performance. In 2024, the top-seeded New York Liberty had home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, helping them win the title in the end. However, the situation in 2025 is different, with the side finishing fifth in the league.
Former MVP and champion Stewart understands the impact of the crowd on the results and highlights the importance of regaining home-court advantage.
“I mean, starting with the fans, it’s incredible. But you know this, it was important for them to win this, and they’ve been riding with us through the good and the bad of the season, and we’re really excited for what we’re going to come and know that they’re going to be right alongside with us,” Stewart told the press.
Star of game 1, Natasha Cloud, went a step ahead and mentioned that the Liberty fanbase is very intense and deserves their players to play the hardest they can every day. She added that the love and feelings are mutual.
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“I always appreciated coming in. I felt like I was always given love here and appreciated for the player that I am, the dog that I have in me. So to wear a Liberty across my chest and to understand that I represent this great community, this great crowd every single night here in Barclays, that means a lot to me as a player. It means a lot to our locker room,” Cloud told the media.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME🗽
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) September 16, 2025
Meet us at @barclayscenter tomorrow as we take on the Mercury for game 2! 🤝🏠#SEAFOAMSZN | #LIGHTITUPNYL🔥 pic.twitter.com/maRQTYkxOz
The Liberty has a strong 17-5 record at home, and the Barclays Center attendees voted for the best crowd in the league. A win in game two will put the NY team in the second round.
Breanna Stewart’s Availability Still Unclear For The Game
During the crucial moments in one of the series games, the veteran forward suffered a knee injury. Stewart underwent an MRI ahead of Game 2, and according to reports, she will be a game-time decision.
After the practice session, HC Brondello told reporters that the imaging came out ‘clean’, hinting at no serious injury, but the star didn’t practice with the team and the team will check on her availability again on game day.
Stewart played a key role in the game 1 win, finishing with 18 points and four assists.