The New York Liberty and seven other teams have finally started their journey in the 2025 WNBA playoffs. On Monday, the reigning WNBA champions kicked off their postseason campaign with a hard-earned 76-69 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. The Liberty overcame playing in enemy territory against a higher-seeded team to get the victory. 

While they are just a win away from eliminating the Mercury and advancing to the next round of the playoffs, the Liberty are not without a major concern following their Game 1 win. For one, the status of superstar center Breanna Stewart for at least Game 2 is now in question after she suffered an apparent lower-body injury in the series opener.

Stewart fell to the ground in pain after getting fouled on a layup attempt three minutes into overtime of the Mercury game. She managed to get up and attempt a free-throw, but the former UConn Huskies star left the game and did not return.

“We only just got back to the locker room. I’m sure she’ll be evaluated soon,” Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello said after the game, per Erica Ayala of CBS Sports.

“She asked me to sub her out there, and she looked uncomfortable, so that was the reason we took her out … we’re just hoping that she’ll be okay,” added Brondello.

Stewart contributed 18 points while shooting 7-for-14 from the field, six rebounds, four assists and two steals in 40 minutes of play in Game 1. She is unquestionably a key cog in the Liberty machine, so a potential absence of any length for her could end up being detrimental to New York’s run in the playoffs. The Liberty are still stacked with Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones and Natasha Cloud healthy, but Stewart’s presence in the middle on both ends of the floor can’t be easily replaced.  Back in the regular season, Stewart’s 10.5 net rating was the highest on the team.  

With or without the two-time WNBA Most Valuable Player in Game 2 this coming Thursday, the Liberty have a golden opportunity to close out the series and eliminate the Mercury at Barclays Center.