The New York Liberty dramatically won game one against the Phoenix Mercury at the PHX Arena in overtime, putting them in a strong position for the first-round series. But even more than a win, the team is concerned about Breanna Stewart’s injury.
Stewart suffered a brutal leg injury after a hard fall against the Mercury. HC got her out of the game quickly, and she didn’t return.. As per the latest update, the player is undergoing an MRI to check on the severity of the injury.
Breanna Stewart Undergoes Knee MRI
The former champion was injured in overtime with 3:01 left. She tried to score a layup to extend the lead, but as soon as she went up for the basket, she looked a bit concerned and held her left knee as she landed on the floor.
HC Brondello subbed her immediately and mentioned that she will undergo tests. “We’re just hoping that she will be OK,” said Brondello.
The 31-year-old forward missed 13 games earlier this season with a bone bruise in her right knee. The franchise suffered a series of losses during her absence, putting them in fifth position in the league standings. Even after her return, the defending champions lost Sabrina Ionescu to injury, keeping them shorthanded for the regular season’s final phase.
Reporting on NBA Today: Breanna Stewart is undergoing an MRI and additional testing today on the left knee injury which caused her to leave the Liberty’s Game 1 OT win in Phoenix on Sunday. Note, this is not the knee which caused her to miss time this season. pic.twitter.com/efxwHFbOqe
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) September 15, 2025
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But for the first time, Sandy Brondello had a completely healthy squad and looked in control against the strong Mercury team. Stewart played a massive role in the win.
Breanna Stewart’s Impacted Game 1 Against Phoenix Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury topped the Liberty team three times in the regular season, keeping an upper hand over the defending champions throughout the 2025 season. In the first round of the playoffs, the veteran forward stepped up with her overall game and scored 18 points along a tough basket in the lane, with just around one minute left in the game to level the score.
Alyssa Thomas then missed the layup that forced overtime. Although Thomas looked unfazed by the missed game-winner, it handed the defending champions a chance to seal the win in game one.
At the defensive end also, Stewart matched up against Satou Sabally, Kahleah Copper, and De Wanna Bonner while cutting Alyssa Thomas’ passes. She finished the game with six rebounds and four assists, delivering a complete performance. Game two between the Liberty and Mercury will be played at the Barclays Center on September 17 and there is uncertainty over Stewart’s availability for the game.