The New York Liberty is one win away from the second-round games and will be playing at home against the Phoenix Mercury. One challenge in front of them is the availability of Breanna Stewart, who suffered an injury during an overtime win at the PHX arena.
Stewart underwent MRI scans right after game one, but her status is still a ‘game time decision’. Ahead of the tip-off, the veteran forward shares some positive news, though.
Breanna Stewart Airs Positive Sign Ahead Of Game 2
The former UConn star suffered a leg injury after a hard fall against the Mercury team. While there are concerns over her availability, many have already started speculating that Sabrina Ionescu is facing a critical challenge to carry the team in Game 2. But the forward has a positive mindset for the game.
“What I felt in the moment scared me more than anything. I’m very happy to have gotten my MRI results back and know that it’s something I can play through,” Stewart told the media.
Highlighting the fact that there is no structural damage and it’s possible to play in the game, Stewart is looking to compete in the game against the Mercury. The side suffered multiple losses in her absence during the 2025 regular season, and the player is looking to carry the team to the next round, putting her health on the line.
Guard Natasha Cloud called her the engine of the locker room and expressed relief with the news of the possibility of seeing Stewart on the floor.
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Updates on Breanna Stewart as of this morning:
— Arielle (Ari) Chambers (@ariivory) September 17, 2025
-fully participated in morning shootaround
-plans to play tonight, barring any changes prior to pregame
– mcl sprain in her left knee, but nothing structurally dire
-her pain level 3/10, in her words@nyliberty fans can exhale! pic.twitter.com/nZk1W2jpU6
Though HC Sandy Brondello hasn’t commented on the situation, it will be interesting to watch whether she risks her core player in Game 2 of the series. The winner of the series will face another tougher opponent in the Minnesota Lynx, where the league leaders already have a 1-0 lead over the expansion team and look all set to advance to round 2.
Breanna Stewart Lauds Barclays Center Crowd
One of the biggest advantages for the defending champion would be the home court advantage to close out the series. After the game one win, the former MVP spoke about the importance of the home crowd support in possible elimination games.
“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.
Barclays Center will host Game 2 of the opening round series between the New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury on September 17.