New York, NY – Breanna Stewart, the star forward for the New York Liberty, avoided a significant injury to her right leg after sustaining an issue during Saturday night’s game. According to an AP source, Stewart underwent imaging, and no major injuries were found.
Stewart’s injury occurred early in the Liberty’s 101-99 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, just about 3 1/2 minutes into the game. The All-Star forward seemed to injure her leg while running up the court.
After heading to the locker room, she did not return to the game, leaving the Liberty without their leading scorer for the remainder of the match.
Positive News for Stewart
Despite the injury scare, the Liberty received positive news when Stewart was cleared of any major damage. She will travel with the team on their four-game road trip, beginning Monday night in Dallas, according to an anonymous source who spoke with The Associated Press.
Coach Sandy Brondello addressed the situation post-game, saying, “No update, hopefully she’ll be OK,” and acknowledged that Stewart’s injury came at a tough time, as the Liberty’s five-game winning streak was snapped with the loss.
Stewart’s Season and Contributions
Stewart, who has been a pivotal part of the Liberty’s success this season, is averaging 19 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. Her presence on the floor has helped New York to the second-best record in the league at 17-7.
The two-time WNBA MVP had not missed a game yet this season, showcasing her durability and importance to the team. This setback is a minor one in what has been an outstanding year for Stewart, and her quick recovery will be vital as the Liberty hit the road for their next stretch of games.
Additional Injuries on the Liberty Roster
Alongside Stewart’s injury, Kennedy Burke dealt with some cramps during the game, and Leonie Fiebich has been nursing a hand injury she sustained in the Liberty’s win over Phoenix. Despite these setbacks, Coach Brondello praised Fiebich’s resilience, saying, “She’s tough and resilient, she pushed through it.”
Moving Forward
With Stewart likely to play through her minor injury, the Liberty will look to bounce back on the road. New York’s next game on Monday night against Dallas is crucial as they aim to stay at the top of the standings and continue their championship pursuit.
