Stewart to play for Liberty in Game 2 after left knee MCL sprain

Breanna Stewart will play for the New York Liberty in Game 2 of the first‑round series against the Phoenix Mercury, despite spraining the MCL in her left knee during overtime of Game 1 in Phoenix. The star forward acknowledged the risk of playing on a knee injury but said she was prepared to take it to stay on the floor with her teammates.

Stewart sprained the MCL on an and-one layup in overtime of Game 1, and she said before Wednesday’s game that she would give it a go if doctors cleared her. “I’m willing to take that because I want to be out with my team,” she said. “And they told me that structurally everything looks good, so my plan is to go.” The Liberty medical staff cleared her to play after evaluating the knee, with the team hoping her presence would help stabilize both ends of the floor as it faces a pivotal test in the series.

Game 1 was won by the Liberty in Phoenix, setting up Wednesday’s rematch as the series heads into Game 2. Stewart’s availability will shape how the Liberty approach both ends of the floor as they contest a pivotal postseason matchup. Her decision to play reflects the high-stakes lens of the opening round, where every possession matters and teammates rely on her scoring, leadership and defense. The team and medical staff will monitor her status closely as the series unfolds.