New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart underwent imaging that confirmed she averted a major harm to her proper leg, per the New York Post. Stewart has traveled on the Liberty’s four-game highway journey, however was out on Monday after they took on the Dallas Wings. She doesn’t have an official return date.
Stewart got here up hobbled simply minutes into the Liberty’s heartbreaking last-second loss to the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday night time and was later dominated out for good with a decrease leg harm. After the Liberty battled again from a 15-point deficit, Rickea Jackson flipped in a buzzer beater for a 101-99 Sparks win.
Early within the first quarter, Stewart set a display for Sabrina Ionescu and rolled to the basket. Ionescu hit her with an ideal pocket move that led her proper to the rim, however Stewart overcooked her contested layup. Nothing appeared to be amiss as Stewart hustled again on protection, however as quickly as she crossed halfcourt, she pulled up and signaled to the bench for a sub.
It is too early to know Stewart’s precise harm or how lengthy she could also be sidelined, however it’s secure to guess that the Liberty will take the cautious route with the two-time MVP. Stewart underwent surgical procedure on her proper meniscus through the offseason and has beforehand had main accidents to each of her Achilles tendons.
Stewart lately appeared in her seventh All-Star Recreation and is effectively on her strategy to one other All-WNBA marketing campaign. Getting into Saturday, she was averaging 19 factors — tied for fifth within the league — 6.8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks.
The reigning champion Liberty have been beset by accidents and absences this season. Most notably, Jonquel Jones has been restricted to 11 appearances as a consequence of a number of ankle accidents. Key position participant Leonie Fiebich additionally missed almost a month whereas taking part in EuroBasket with the German nationwide staff, whereas Nyara Sabally has been hampered by a knee drawback.
Regardless of usually enjoying shorthanded, the Liberty sit in second place with a 17-7 file and stay the title favorites (+160, per FanDuel). The latter is largely as a result of upcoming arrival of 2019 Finals MVP Emma Meesseman, who will make her long-awaited return to the WNBA later this season as soon as her visa points are sorted out.
There isn’t any changing a participant like Stewart, however ought to she want an prolonged spell on the sidelines, Meesseman’s arrival will surely assist soften the blow.