Breanna Stewart Undergoes MRI After Leaving Liberty's OT Win; Game 2 Status Uncertain
Liberty star evaluated for left-knee injury after 76-69 victory over Phoenix; coach Sandy Brondello to update after Tuesday practice
Breanna Stewart underwent an MRI on her left knee on Monday after exiting the New York Liberty's overtime victory over the Phoenix Mercury, leaving her status for Game 2 of the first-round WNBA series uncertain.
Team doctors evaluated Stewart upon the Liberty's return to New York, and the team was off Monday ahead of a scheduled practice on Tuesday. Coach Sandy Brondello is expected to provide an update after that practice.
Stewart left Sunday night's game in Phoenix during overtime; New York held on for a 76-69 victory. There was a somber mood in the Liberty's press conference room after the team arrived following the win, according to team and media accounts.
The MRI was confirmed by a source to The Post. The team has not released detailed information about the nature or expected recovery timeline for the left-knee issue. With the Liberty defending a WNBA title, Stewart's availability figures to be decisive for New York's bid to repeat.
The Liberty open the postseason with a first-round series against the Mercury. Stewart, a multiple-time All-Star and a central figure in New York's lineup, has been durable through the regular season, but the club will await medical findings and coaching decisions before finalizing any short-term plans.
Brondello has typically provided injury updates after team practices; the coach is scheduled to address the media following Tuesday's session. The Liberty and league officials have not scheduled any further public comments on Stewart's condition pending review of the MRI results and consultation with specialists.
New York's depth and rotation will be monitored closely in the interim. The team will travel and prepare for the next game while medical staff and coaches evaluate options should Stewart be sidelined, but no roster moves or official changes were announced Monday.
Further details are expected once the Liberty conclude their Tuesday workout and Brondello communicates the results of the medical evaluation and the team's next steps.