New York Liberty fans, are you ready for some good news? The key to another championship run hinges on Breanna Stewart's health and performance. Last season was a rollercoaster, with injuries threatening to derail the team's ambitions. Stewart's right knee required meniscus surgery before the 2025 season, sidelining her for 13 games due to a bone bruise in the same knee. Adding insult to injury, she suffered another knee injury in the first playoff game against the Mercury.
Despite her resilience, the Liberty's playoff run ended abruptly after just three games. This disappointing season, marked by injuries, prevented them from building on their 2024 success.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, only Nyara Sabally and Leonie Fiebich are currently under contract. However, General Manager Jonathan Kolb is optimistic about re-signing Stewart, Ionescu, and Jones. But here's where it gets controversial... If these key players return, the pressure to win will be immense. Stewart's recent comments during the team's Unrivaled win should bring a smile to Liberty fans' faces.
During an in-game interview, Stewart confidently stated, "I feel great... Really getting back into it and getting back to my game, doing what I do; three-level scorer and just being confident in all my shots."
Imagine this: A healthy and in-form Breanna Stewart back in action. The team's title chances immediately skyrocket.
Stewart isn't just a co-founder of Unrivaled; she's also a dominant force on the court. She's one of the league's biggest stars and is playing like it. Over the first four matches, she's one of two Mist players averaging at least 18 points per game. She also leads the team in rebounds and minutes played.
Stewart's size and versatility make her a nightmare matchup in Unrivaled's three-on-three game. She even scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against a Laces team featuring Alyssa Thomas, one of the best two-way forwards.
And this is the part most people miss... While Stewart's scoring efficiency is impressive, her three-point shooting is still a concern. Last season with the Liberty, she shot a career-worst 24.1% from beyond the arc. In Unrivaled, it took her four games to make a single three-pointer, with a current record of 1-15.
Stewart's inconsistent three-point shooting is a potential snag, but there's hope she'll improve during the rest of her Unrivaled season. Seeing Stewart healthy and playing at her best is crucial for the Liberty's championship aspirations.
What do you think, Liberty fans? Are you optimistic about Stewart's return and the team's chances? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
