A Struggle of the Win, Touched by Sorrow.
The New York Liberty won the first round of in WNBA in a close victory and overtime, 76-69, over the Phoenix Mercury, but at a great price. As the extra period started with 3:01 left, forward Breanna Stewart fell as she caught her left knee on a lay-up attempt. Although she became a basketball player, she still stayed on the field long enough to have a go at a free throw, which she missed, and soon informed the coach that she would like to be relieved. She did not return.
Martin, on his part, said to the head coach of Liberty, Sandy Brondell, that Stewart looked out of place and asked to be left alone. The team immediately reported the injury to be looked at.
Still, Stewart contributed significantly to the team even though she left before completing the game with 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists in 40 minutes played. Her regulatory skills drove the game into overtime, which paved the way for the Liberty to win again.
Has Happened and What We Have Learned Up to Now.
The following is a timeline and description of the accident and events leading to the injury:
Moment Description
Incident Towards the end of OT, Stewart drove over Satou Sabally and DeWanna Bonner. Her lay-up was successful, but she immediately pulled at her left knee.
Free throw. At a timeout, she shot the free throw (missed) but was evidently in pain.
Exit. Went back to the game after being at the game with about 2:07 in OT. She walked away at her own pace, but was evidently uncomfortable and with a brace on her knee.
History & vulnerability Stewart has already lost 13 games this season because of a bone bruise on her right knee. In March, as well, I underwent right meniscus scope surgery. It is her recent trauma of the left knee.
The Stakes: Why This Is a Big Deal.
Stewart is the scorer who is not only the leading scorer of New York but the main figure in both ends of the floor. The following are some of the stakes and implications:
Performance in the regular season: Stewart was the leader of the Liberty with the highest average of 18.3 points per game, and as blocks, steals, and rebounds, a very well-rounded stat line. Her presence is likely to change counter-defenses and counter-spacing.
Playoff format: It is a three-match first round. The prospect of losing her at Game 2 (home court) or she might go ahead and losing Game 3 (had to) might change the tide of the game. The series is also short, which leaves very little room to disrupt due to injuries.
Staffing: Liberty has been dealing with injuries throughout the season. Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu have been out before. In August, they brought Emma Meesseman on board to assist in depth. In case Stewart is restricted, they will request more of such players.
Historical Background: Stewart Injury Resilience.
Breanna Stewart is not new to injury misfortunes. Over her career:
She had prior knee problems, including a right meniscus surgery, bone bruises, and other lower extremity problems.
It is not the first time that she has been tested on her strength to come back, but every time it is even more important. Every missed practice, lack of mobility, or wary minute is amplified in a playoff atmosphere.
Hopefully, fans and analysts would wish that it would be the case, but the history of Stewart makes one more worried: knee injuries have an infamous reputation of being unpredictable, particularly in the case of high-impact players who would depend on jumpers, drives, post moves, and defense.
What’s Next: Scenarios and Watchpoints.
Considering the fact that very little is verified, the following are what to look at in the next few days:
Medical evaluation
The Liberty will require scans (e.g., MRI) in order to determine the degree of damage: ligament, meniscus, cartilage, swelling, etc. That will be vital depending on the time. Brondello claimed Stewart will be reviewed in the near future.
Availability for Game 2
Game 2 at home court will take place on Wednesday. In case Stewart is either not available or cannot play, Liberty will have to change approach, more roster rotation, more offensive load on Natasha Cloud, Ionescu, Jones, perhaps Meeseman stepping up.
Adjusted minutes & role
In case she plays but not 100 percent, Liberty can reduce her minutes, decrease her drives that create more pressure on the knee, take more rest, or play defensively.
Psychological impact
The issue of toughness, momentum is discussed a lot by the players, but the injury may change confidence (not only of the injured player, but of his or her teammates), which is critical during the playoff crunch.
My View: Hope with Trespassing.
It was the biggest win in New York: they took Game 1 in overtime on the road, providing themselves with an opportunity to win the series at home. Such a momentum is invaluable.
Nevertheless, this wound creates doubt that may dent that wave. Basketball is between physical strength and mental strength. Should Stewart be out of commission or even hampered, Phoenix will have an undermined frontcourt or spacing. The margin of error of liberty is made thinner.
I would incline to hope that Stewart will feature in Game 2; her presence boosts the team, but even then, there might be a limit. The Liberty will have to rely more upon Cloud and others and trust that their profundity will support them.
Final Word
The victory of the Liberty Game 1 over the Mercury was thrilling. It featured grit, moments of clutch, and a team struggle. But the knee injury of Stewart keeps us in mind of the thin margin in playoff basketball. A single injury may alter the direction of a series.
In case Stewart can recuperate quickly, then Liberty has a good prospect to the next round. Otherwise, this may turn out to be a turning point in taking a chance by Phoenix. Either there is no end to this story yet, and what will occur in the next 48-72 hours may well determine the remainder of this postseason.
