Liberty's Breanna Stewart Questionable for Game 2 Against Mercury After Injury

What's Happening?

The New York Liberty secured a victory against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 1 of the first-round WNBA playoffs, winning in overtime with a score of 76-69. Despite a challenging shooting performance, the Mercury had a chance to win in regulation, but a missed layup by Alyssa Thomas led to overtime, where the Liberty outscored them 11-4. The Liberty's forward, Breanna Stewart, suffered a left knee injury during the overtime period, making her a game-time decision for the upcoming Game 2. The injury was assessed, and imaging results were 'relatively clean,' according to Liberty coach Sandy Brondello. The Mercury, led by guard Kahleah Copper, remain optimistic and are focused on winning the next game to avoid consecutive first-round playoff exits.

Why It's Important?

The outcome of this playoff series is significant for both teams. For the Liberty, advancing past the first round would mark their third consecutive trip to the semifinals, reinforcing their status as defending champions. Breanna Stewart's potential absence could impact the Liberty's performance, as she is a key player. For the Mercury, winning Game 2 is crucial to stay in the playoffs and avoid early elimination. The series also highlights the competitive nature of the WNBA playoffs, drawing attention to the league and its athletes. The game will be broadcast nationally, providing exposure and potentially increasing viewership and interest in women's basketball.

What's Next?

Game 2 is scheduled to take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on Wednesday, September 17, at 8 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, with streaming options available on ESPN+, Disney+, and Fubo. The Liberty will aim to secure a win to advance to the semifinals, while the Mercury will strive to even the series and force a decisive Game 3. The status of Breanna Stewart will be closely monitored, as her participation could influence the game's outcome. Both teams are expected to make strategic adjustments based on the lessons learned from Game 1.