“Yet another legacy game” – WNBA insider lauds Breanna Stewart’s heroic effort on sprained knee in season-ending loss for NY Liberty

Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty got here up brief in opposition to the Phoenix Mercury in Recreation 3 of the primary spherical of the WNBA playoffs on Saturday. Whereas the Liberty entered the season as defending champions, the crew now heads into the offseason after a hard-fought playoff exit.

Regardless of a knee damage hampering her in sport two, Stewart erupted for 30 factors, 9 rebounds and three assists in Recreation 3, main the crew in scoring.

Whereas she and the Liberty got here up brief, Liberty beat author Myles Ehrlich praised the two-time WNBA Finals MVP for her effort, calling the 30-point outing a legacy sport for Stewart.

“Whatever the end result, this has been yet one more legacy sport within the storied profession of Breanna Stewart,” Ehrlich wrote. “Her toughness ought to by no means be forgotten by followers of this sport all of us love.”

The efficiency from Stewart got here on the heels of a six-point, two rebound and two help outing in Recreation 2. Whereas the crew got here up brief in Recreation 3, Stewart’s gritty efficiency clearly left an enduring affect on Liberty followers.

All through this season, Stewart averaged 18.3 factors, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks.

What did Breanna Stewart say about her damage?

After an 18-point, six rebound outing in opposition to the Phoenix Mercury in Recreation 1, Breanna Stewart struggled in Recreation 2 on Wednesday, enjoying simply 20 minutes in what the Liberty hoped can be a closeout sport.

“It most likely turned extra of a psychological barrier than a bodily one,” Stewart mentioned after the sport. “Clearly everybody is aware of what I am coping with, however the good half about as we speak was I used to be in a position to take a look at it, I used to be in a position to see how I felt.”

Stewart beforehand described the damage, which occurred throughout time beyond regulation of Recreation 1, as basically a sprained MCL. Though she did not observe on Tuesday, Phoenix gamers and coaches weren’t stunned that Stewart performed in Recreation 3, based on WRAL Information.

Now, she’ll have an opportunity to get better earlier than the beginning of the second Unmatched season in early 2026, which can wind up that includes two new enlargement groups.

Given the beginning of the season is a pair months away, Stewart ought to have loads of time to get better earlier than tip-off for the second season.

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” data-lazy=”https://keedag.sportskeeda.com/user-pic/893745-1754590029-200.jpg?w=200″
alt=”Evan Bell” top=”72″ width=”72″>

Evan Bell is a journalist specializing within the NBA and NHL at Sportskeeda, whose love for the sport stems from a childhood spent watching the Chicago Bulls. He has been there by means of their highs and lows, from the Jordan period to the thrilling Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah years.

Evan finds the 82-game season and the depth of playoff basketball exhilarating, and he additionally revels within the offseason drama. Phil Jackson stands out as his favourite coach, whom he admires for his composed management and success in managing dynamic personalities like Dennis Rodman.

To ship top-quality content material, Evan fact-checks info whereas diligently maintaining with the motion year-round.

When he is not writing, Evan follows tennis and Greek soccer, and likewise performs basketball and tennis.

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