Breanna Stewart’s health and performance are the linchpins for the New York Liberty’s championship dreams—and her recent update has fans buzzing with hope. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can Stewart truly return to her dominant form after a string of injuries, and will it be enough to propel the Liberty back to the top? Let’s dive in.
If the Liberty aim to reclaim the title with their powerhouse trio of Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Stewart, they need the latter at her absolute best. Last season was a stark reminder of what happens when she’s not. Stewart underwent meniscus surgery on her right knee before the 2025 season, missed 13 games due to a bone bruise on the same knee, and suffered another left knee injury in Game 1 of the Liberty’s first-round playoff series against the Mercury. While she valiantly returned for the next two games—even dropping 30 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in Game 3—the Liberty were swiftly eliminated in three games. It was a bitter end to a season marred by injuries and unmet expectations, a far cry from their 2024 success.
And this is the part most people miss: Despite the uncertainty, GM Jonathan Kolb expressed unwavering confidence that Stewart, Ionescu, and Jones will all re-sign with the Liberty for the 2026 season. If true, the pressure will be immense. But Stewart’s recent comments during an Unrivaled game should reassure anxious fans. “I feel great,” she told Ros Gold-Onwude in an in-game interview. “I’m really getting back into my rhythm, doing what I do best—being a three-level scorer and trusting my shots.”
A healthy, confident Stewart could single-handedly elevate the Liberty’s title chances. But how realistic is this? Stewart isn’t just a co-founder of Unrivaled; she’s a league superstar, and she’s playing like one. As one of only two Mist players averaging at least 18 points per game in their first four matches, she’s also leading the team in rebounds and minutes. Her size and versatility make her a mismatch nightmare in Unrivaled’s fast-paced three-on-three format. For example, she dropped 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against a Laces team featuring Alyssa Thomas, one of the game’s best two-way forwards.
However, here’s the controversial counterpoint: While Stewart’s efficiency is solid, her three-point shooting remains a concern. She shot a career-low 24.1% from deep with the Liberty last season, and it took her four Unrivaled games to hit her first three-pointer. She’s currently 1-15 from beyond the arc. Can she iron out this inconsistency before returning to the Liberty? Or will it become a liability in high-stakes games?
For now, the most important thing is seeing Stewart healthy and playing like herself. If she can maintain her current momentum, the Liberty could be poised for another championship run. But the question remains: Is Stewart’s return enough to guarantee success, or are there deeper issues the team needs to address? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
