Breanna Stewart, a star player for the New York Liberty and a two-time WNBA MVP, is targeting a return to the court by the end of August. As she approaches her 31st birthday on August 27, Stewart expressed optimism about her recovery from a bone bruise in her right knee, which she sustained during a matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks on July 26.
Following her injury, Stewart reported feeling positive and mentioned she had been working out on the court. “I feel great. I just finished working out,” she stated. Stewart emphasized her desire to return to her team as soon as possible, noting that the timing is critical for both her health and the team’s performance.
Head coach Sandy Brondello has set a tentative timeline for Stewart’s return, suggesting late August. He emphasized the importance of being cautious with her recovery, stating, “We want to be smart with it… It’s big picture.” Stewart’s contributions are significant; she currently ranks second on the team with an average of 18.3 points and 6.5 rebounds, along with nearly four assists per game. Her presence on the floor has a notable impact, improving the team’s performance by 7.9 points per 100 possessions.
To bolster their roster during this time, the Liberty have also signed 2019 WNBA Finals MVP Emma Meesseman, who is averaging 12.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and four assists in her first three games with the team. The Liberty are eager to ensure that Stewart gets the necessary time to recover before the playoffs, as they aim to make a strong postseason run.
As the regular season concludes on September 11 against the Chicago Sky, all eyes will be on Stewart’s progress, with hopes high for her timely return to help the Liberty in their quest for a championship. The team’s adaptability and strong performances from new acquisitions like Meesseman may provide a solid foundation as they strategize for the playoff season ahead.