The New York Liberty's championship dreams hinge on a pivotal comeback. But here's where it gets controversial: can a player's health be the make-or-break factor in a team's success? The Liberty's recent win, their third, brings a ray of hope with Breanna Stewart's promising update.
The Liberty's core trio of Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart is a formidable force, but their 2025 season was marred by Stewart's knee injuries. She underwent meniscus surgery before the season, missed games due to a bone bruise, and suffered another knee injury in the playoffs against the Mercury. Despite her valiant effort in Game 3, the Liberty's playoff run ended swiftly.
The 2026 season presents a clean slate, but with only two players under contract so far, the pressure is on. GM Jonathan Kolb expresses confidence in retaining the star trio, but the Liberty's success will heavily rely on Stewart's health and performance. And this is the part most people miss: her impact goes beyond the stats.
Stewart's recent comments during an Unrivaled win are a breath of fresh air for Liberty fans. She feels great and is eager to showcase her signature three-level scoring prowess. If she returns to the Liberty in top form, their title aspirations become significantly more attainable.
As a co-founder and star of Unrivaled, Stewart is thriving. She's averaging 18+ points per game, leading the team in rebounds and minutes. Her dominance in the three-on-three format is undeniable, as she even outshone Alyssa Thomas, a renowned two-way forward. However, her three-point shooting remains a concern, with a career-low percentage last season.
While her inconsistency from deep is a worry, Stewart's overall performance is encouraging. If she can fine-tune her three-point shot during her time with Unrivaled, she could return to the Liberty as the missing piece to their championship puzzle. The Liberty's fate may very well rest on Stewart's ability to stay healthy and dominate on the court.
What do you think? Is it fair to place so much emphasis on a single player's health? Can the Liberty truly contend for the title with a healthy Stewart? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's spark a lively debate!
