Stewart’s Injury Casts Shadow Over Liberty’s Road Trip
Sparks Upset New York Amidst Superstar’s Early Exit
The New York Liberty’s impressive five-game winning streak was unexpectedly snapped by the Los Angeles Sparks, but the focus quickly shifted to the health of star player Breanna Stewart after an early exit from the game.
Stewart Exits with Leg Tweak
Midway through the first quarter, Breanna Stewart sustained what appeared to be a leg injury while backpedaling on defense. The star forward, involved in no contact with an opponent, immediately exited the court with trainer Terri Acosta. Coach Brondello confirmed no immediate update was available, stating, “No update, hopefully she’ll be OK.”
Breanna Stewart had imaging done on her right leg which showed she avoided significant injury after exiting last night’s game, sources told The Post.
She’ll be with the Liberty on this four-game road trip, but the team plans to give her time to fully recover.
— Madeline Kenney (@madkenney) July 27, 2025
Positive Signs Emerge for Stewart’s Health
Relief washed over the Liberty camp as reports indicated Breanna Stewart avoided significant injury after undergoing scans on her right leg. She is expected to travel with the team for their upcoming four-game road swing. Since joining the Liberty in 2023, Stewart has demonstrated remarkable durability, missing only two contests.
Potential Absence Looms for Upcoming Game
Despite the positive outlook, the team intends to provide Stewart ample time to recover fully. This cautious approach means she may not participate in the next matchup against Dallas. Her absence would be a considerable blow, as she is averaging an impressive 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game this season. The team is prioritizing her long-term health, given her history of knee surgery and Achilles tendon issues.
Liberty Grapple with Broader Injury Concerns
The defending champions have navigated a season marked by various setbacks. Jonquel Jones has played in only 11 games due to persistent ankle problems, while Leonie Fiebich missed nearly a month participating in EuroBasket. Nyara Sabally has also been hampered by a knee injury. Nevertheless, the Liberty maintain a strong position, currently sitting second in the standings with a 17-7 record.
Schedule Intensity Questioned After Back-to-Back
The Liberty’s contest against the Sparks occurred on the second night of a back-to-back set, following a win against the Phoenix Mercury. In that previous game, Stewart played 31 minutes, scoring a season-low 6 points, and expressed concerns about fatigue. “I just gotta get my legs back underneath me. I don’t know how I do that with a back-to-back tomorrow, but I’ll figure it out,”
she stated. The demanding schedule raises questions about its potential contribution to her injury. While bench depth is a factor, replacing a player of Stewart‘s caliber presents a significant challenge.
The WNBA’s scheduling practices have drawn scrutiny, with many questioning if adjustments are needed to protect player well-being. For instance, the NBA implemented a rest day requirement between games for teams playing on consecutive nights starting in the 2021-2022 season, a move aimed at reducing fatigue and injury risks. ESPN reported this change aimed to improve player health.
