For nearly a month, the New York Liberty had to live life without Breanna Stewart. The reigning MVP was out with a bone bruise in her right knee, missing 13 games that saw the team fall in the standings. On Monday night, Stewart finally returned, and she wasted no time reminding everyone how much she means to New York’s title hopes.
Playing just over 20 minutes under a careful restriction, Stewart scored 19 points and helped the Liberty edge the Connecticut Sun81-79. It wasn’t just her numbers that mattered. It was her presence, her intensity, and the calm she brings whenever she’s on the floor.
“I felt great,” Stewart said after the game. “I wanted to push it when I was out there. It was great to be back with the team.”
Liberty battle-tested without her
Since Stewart last played on July 26, the Liberty went 5-8. A team that opened the season 9-0 suddenly had to fight just to stay in the mix. Jonquel Jones missed time with multiple ankle injuries. Sabrina Ionescu was sidelined briefly with a foot injury. Natasha Cloud and Isabelle Harrison have both been out. It felt like the defending champions were constantly patching lineups together.
Through it all, Stewart stayed connected, working with the training staff and setting her goal to return by her 31st birthday. She delivered on that promise, giving her team a much-needed spark at a crucial point in the season.
Impact on the playoff race
The Liberty enters the stretch run at 22-15, sitting in fifth place. With only seven regular-season games left, Stewart’s return couldn’t have been timed better. Her averages this year, 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, plus her defensive impact, underline how complete her game still is, even in a season filled with injuries.
Against Connecticut, it wasn’t just about her scoring. Stewart gave the Liberty balance on both ends, drawing defensive attention and opening opportunities for others. Late in the game, when the Sun threatened, it was Ionescu who sealed the win with a block, but it was Stewart’s steady hand that made the difference throughout.
MORE: Las Vegas locks in postseason berth with road win in Chicago
Chasing another championship
The Liberty won last year’s championship with Stewart at the center of it all. Now, with her back, the path to defending that crown looks clearer. New York still has questions to answe, health being the biggest, but Stewart’s presence gives them a chance to stabilize and make another push.
For a team that went through a rough midseason stretch, Stewart’s return feels like more than just a player coming back from injury. It’s a reminder that New York’s championship window is still wide open, and the star who defines their success is ready to lead again.
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