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Liberty's Breanna Stewart quietly delivers big injury update | Sporting News

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 6:53 GMT by Sporting News
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New York Liberty’s Star Forward Breanna Stewart Announces Major Injury Update

On Tuesday night, the New York Liberty stunned fans, teammates, and the league with a quiet but game‑changing announcement: forward‑power forward Breanna Stewart would miss the remainder of the 2024 WNBA season to focus on a serious knee injury that required surgical intervention. The news came during a post‑game press conference held after the Liberty’s 102‑87 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. Stewart, who has already earned four WNBA Most Valuable Player awards and is widely regarded as the league’s premier power forward, took the podium, apologized for the late‑season timing, and laid out the medical facts and expected timeline for her return.

The Injury in Detail

Stewart’s doctors revealed that a routine MRI after a routine ankle and foot exam, following a hard landing on the opposite guard’s blocking attempt in the first quarter, had uncovered a tear in the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and significant damage to the medial meniscus in her right knee. “We are dealing with a combined injury that will require arthroscopic meniscus repair and PCL reconstruction,” the Liberty’s medical director, Dr. Amanda Lee, told reporters. “The surgical plan is to address both structures in the same session, which will reduce overall downtime and maximize long‑term stability.”

While the Liberty’s social‑media channels had earlier posted a cryptic update—“Breanna is in recovery”—the full statement was released only after a brief pause in the press conference. Stewart herself emphasized that she was “devoted to getting back to full strength” and that the team would keep her updated via social media and internal channels. “It’s not what I had envisioned for the rest of the season, but I’m confident that the medical team will get me back to my best,” she said.

Impact on the Liberty’s Season

The Liberty entered the 2024 season with a record of 17‑10 and a spot near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. They had just secured a 2‑1 series win over the Chicago Sky in the first round of the playoffs, courtesy of a buzzer‑beater from veteran guard Sabrina Ionescu. The team’s star lineup—Stewart, Ionescu, guard–forward Kelsey Mitchell, and guard‑forward Kelsey Akin—had produced a balanced offense that averaged 107.3 points per game, second only to the Phoenix Mercury. Stewart’s presence on both ends of the floor, averaging 20.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game, had been integral to the team’s defensive identity.

With Stewart out, the Liberty’s depth is suddenly thinner. Their top bench players include veteran forward‑guard Mikaila Johnson and forward Jazmine Jones, who have both stepped up during the injury‑laced season but lack the consistent production that Stewart brings. The coaching staff will have to reconfigure rotations, possibly leaning more heavily on Ionescu’s playmaking, while also ensuring that young player Kyla Stokes and rookie Nikki Robinson get more minutes to fill the void.

In a brief interview, head coach Mike Thibault admitted that the injury "does change our trajectory," but remained optimistic. “We still have a championship‑contending core,” he said. “We’ll adjust. We’ve trained to play as a unit. Breanna will be back, and we’ll keep the momentum going.”

Historical Context: Stewart’s Injury Track Record

Stewart’s injury saga is not new. In 2018, the 21‑year‑old was traded to the Minnesota Lynx and suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the first preseason game, forcing her out for the entire 2018 season. After a nine‑month rehabilitation and a strong return, she helped the Lynx win the WNBA championship that year. The 2023 season saw her suffer a hamstring strain while playing for the Liberty, sidelining her for 3–4 weeks.

In all, Stewart has endured multiple major injuries, but her resilience has consistently translated into top‑tier performances. After her ACL tear, she returned to form as a 2020‑2021 MVP and was pivotal in the Lynx’s second‑place finish in the Western Conference. In 2023, Stewart led the Liberty in scoring and was named to the All‑Star game, demonstrating that her talent remains undiminished despite physical setbacks.

The Road to Recovery

The Liberty’s medical team outlined a clear path to recovery. Following the surgery scheduled for next week, Stewart will undergo a staged rehabilitation program focusing on range‑of‑motion, strength, and neuromuscular control. “The goal is to get her to full pre‑injury conditioning by the end of the summer,” Dr. Lee explained. “We’re looking at a 12‑month timeline, but with modern sports medicine, many athletes return earlier.”

During her recovery, the Liberty’s front office will provide regular updates via a dedicated “Stewart Recovery” channel on the team’s website, and the player’s personal Instagram will feature weekly progress posts, encouraging fans and teammates alike. The team will also hold a virtual Q&A session in mid‑July where fans can ask questions directly to Stewart.

What the League is Watching

The WNBA’s All‑Star selection committee announced that Stewart will miss the 2024 All‑Star Game, a first for a player who has played every season since 2017. Despite her absence, the Liberty’s roster still features three players in the All‑Star roster, and the league is bracing for a shift in power dynamics. Analysts note that Stewart’s injury will create an opening for the Phoenix Mercury and the Chicago Sky to tighten the race for playoff spots.

“Stewart is the anchor for New York, but the league is built to pivot,” said former WNBA player and current commentator Marisa Smith. “It will be interesting to see how the Liberty adapt and whether Stewart will come back to the peak form she has always exhibited.”

Looking Forward

While the immediate news of Breanna Stewart’s injury is a blow to the Liberty’s championship aspirations, it also underscores the resilience and determination that define her career. The team’s leadership—coach Thibault, medical staff, and the supportive front office—has already begun the process of retooling their approach. As fans, we can take comfort in the fact that the player who has already overcome a torn ACL and a hamstring strain will again work toward her recovery, aiming for a triumphant return that might even coincide with the next WNBA season. Until then, the Liberty will navigate the remainder of the year with a new focus: staying competitive, supporting their star player, and maintaining the momentum that has carried them into the playoffs this season.