Image Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Breanna Stewart Injury Update: What Happened to Breanna Stewart? Will She Be Back for the WNBA Playoffs?

Liberty’s playoff win over Mercury overshadowed

Image Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The New York Liberty secured a 76-69 overtime victory against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday night, but the triumph was overshadowed when Breanna Stewart left the game clutching her left knee.

With just over three minutes left in overtime, Breanna Stewart converted a tough and-1 layup over Satou Sabally but fell to the floor in pain after the contact. She remained to attempt the free throw, missing it, before trying to play through the discomfort.

Barely a minute later, Breanna Stewart asked to be subbed out and did not return. She finished the night with 18 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals before Kennedy Burke replaced her. The two-time MVP was later seen on the bench wearing a brace on her left knee.

The Liberty win Game 1, but Breanna Stewart left the game with a knee injury 👀 pic.twitter.com/ISoA8uAwGz
— WNBA Got Game (@wnbagotgame) September 15, 2025

Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello provided little clarity afterward. “I’m sure she’ll be evaluated soon,” Brondello said. “She asked me to sub her out there, and she looked uncomfortable, so that was the reason we took her out there. And then we’re just, you know, we’ll just be hoping that she’ll be OK.”

The injury is particularly worrying given Breanna Stewart already missed 13 games this season with a bone bruise in her right knee, the opposite leg.

Stewart’s role looms large for Liberty

Her absence would be a major setback for New York. Stewart’s midrange jumper tied Game 1 at 65 with just over a minute left in regulation, helping push the contest into overtime. The New York Liberty pulled away behind Natasha Cloud’s 23 points and Jonquel Jones’ strong inside presence, but Stewart’s injury cast a shadow over the win.

The Liberty have endured injuries throughout the season, with Sabrina Ionescu and Jones both missing time. They added former Finals MVP Emma Meesseman in August for depth, and she may be asked to step into a bigger role if Breanna Stewart is sidelined.