Liberty’s Breanna Stewart says she plans to play in Game 2 vs. Mercury despite MCL sprain

New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart plans to play in Wednesday night's Game 2 against the Phoenix Mercury despite spraining her left MCL during the series opener. She did not practice Tuesday but participated in Wednesday morning's shootaround while wearing a leg sleeve on her left knee, intending to assess her condition before making a final decision.

The Liberty lead the series 1-0 after winning Game 1 in overtime, 76-69. Stewart emphasized the team's priority to finish the series in New York and avoid returning to Phoenix for a potential Game 3.

Stewart sustained the injury with 3:01 remaining in overtime when she landed awkwardly after attempting a driving layup, making the shot and drawing a foul. She played for 54 more seconds before requesting substitution due to lateral movement discomfort and the game situation, with New York leading by seven points at the time. Stewart described the moment as frightening.

An MRI on Monday confirmed the MCL sprain, and Stewart reported feeling progressively better each day, rating her pain as a three out of ten by Wednesday morning. She expressed willingness to risk potential re-injury to support her team, noting that medical imaging showed no structural damage. Teammate Natasha Cloud praised her toughness, and Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts stated Phoenix was preparing as if Stewart would play.

Stewart has prior knee issues, having missed 13 games this season with a bone bruise on her right knee and undergoing surgery on the same knee in March. A Mercury win in Game 2 would force a deciding Game 3 in Phoenix on Friday, which Liberty coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged they hope to avoid while expecting a determined effort from Phoenix.