The New York Liberty has been searching for answers ever since Breanna Stewart went down with a right knee injury in late July. On Monday, the two-time MVP offered a sign of progress, taking part fully in practice for the first time since her setback.
Stewart injured her leg against the Los Angeles Sparks on July 26, a game the Liberty lost on a Rickea Jackson buzzer-beater. The defending champions have stumbled in her absence, dropping seven of their past 11 contests. New York’s 21–13 record still places them among the league’s top teams, but their grip on the upper tier has loosened. The surging Atlanta Dream recently passed them in the standings, while the Minnesota Lynx have maintained control of first place.
Breanna Stewart Nearing Birthday Deadline for Return
Stewart has been vocal about her determination to rejoin the lineup before her 31st birthday on Aug. 27. Monday’s participation in half-court and team drills marked her biggest step yet toward that goal.
Head coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged the forward’s progress but emphasized a cautious approach.
“She looked good,” Brondello said. “We didn’t really go live, so we’ll keep building her up these next few days. She feels good, she looks good.”
That measured optimism sets the stage for potential return dates on Aug. 25 against the Connecticut Sun or Aug. 28 against the Washington Mystics. A comeback in either game would allow Stewart to ramp up before the playoffs, while fulfilling her self-imposed timeline.
Currently talking business with Olaf Lange#WNBA #LightItUpNYL pic.twitter.com/U9YozmKdlF
— Geoff Magliocchetti (@GeoffJMags) August 18, 2025
Liberty’s Offense Awaits Its Anchor
Even without Stewart, New York has remained competitive behind the play of Sabrina Ionescu, Emma Meesseman, and Jonquel Jones. Yet the absence of the former Finals MVP has been glaring.
Stewart’s ability to space the floor, rebound, and create mismatches in the frontcourt has long been central to the Liberty’s identity.
Despite missing 10 games, Stewart still ranks ninth in the WNBA in scoring at 18.3 points per game. Her averages also include 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 46.9 percent from the field. For her career, she holds marks of 20.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per contest. This underscores just how much production New York has been missing.
Brondello and the Liberty staff know that integrating Stewart back into the rotation is critical as they prepare to defend their 2024 title. With a difficult stretch of games looming, her return would stabilize the team and restore balance heading into the postseason.
Looking Ahead
The Liberty will face Minnesota for the fourth and final time this regular season later this week, once again without Stewart. After that, eyes will turn toward the late-August matchups circled as realistic comeback opportunities.
For now, New York must continue to weather the grind of the schedule, but Monday’s development offers hope. If Stewart meets her goal of being back on the court by her birthday, the Liberty’s championship defense may find renewed momentum at just the right time.
Source link
