Former UConn Huskies star and current New York Liberty player Breanna Stewart‘s status for Game 2 of the first round of the 2025 WNBA playoffs is questionable. Her opposing team’s coach, Nate Tibbetts of the Phoenix Mercury, reacted to her possible absence. Coach Sandy Brondello’s Liberty is leading the series 1-0.
In a post by @DesertWaveCo on X/Twitter on Tuesday, Sept. 12, Tibbetts was asked how preparations are going for the Mercury games. Tibbetts and his Phoenix squad are looking to level the series against the 2024 champions, as falling into a 2-0 hole will see them get eliminated early in this year’s postseason play.
Tibbetts said his team was preparing for the upcoming game, whether Stewart is available or not. He did not disclose any details about his team’s upcoming game plan and instead said:
“You’ll see tomorrow night.”
Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said the Mercury have been preparing for Wednesday’s game against the New York Liberty with and without Breanna Stewart (left knee).
He was mum when asked how Stewart’s potential absence changes the matchup.#WNBA pic.twitter.com/v6BLZBzONK
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) September 16, 2025
Stewart is currently nursing a left knee injury that she picked up in Game 1 against the Mercury on Sunday, Sept. 14. Despite winning an all-out battle in Phoenix, Arizona, 76-69, Stewart buckled her knee in overtime. However, a quick MRI scan showed positive signs for both Stewart and her Liberty team about whether she will play in Game 2.
Whatever the case is, it seems as though coach Tibbetts and the rest of the Mercury are steadily preparing for the game with or without Stewart. To add to this, they will also have to play in away territory in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Game 2 of the first-round matchup between the Liberty and the Mercury is scheduled for tip-off on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Read More: “You Can’t Stay the Same”: When Geno Auriemma Confronted Breanna Stewart Over Her Attitude During UConn Practice
Sandy Brondello Is Confident That Breanna Stewart Will Play In Game Two
Despite the lack of negative signs during her MRI scan, Breanna Stewart is still listed as a game-time decision for the New York Liberty and also reportedly did not practice on Tuesday, Sept. 16. However, coach Sandy Brondello remains confident in Stewart’s will to play in Game 2, evidenced by her statement in a recent article by Yahoo! Sports.
“She’s tough. Any player that you’ve had injuries before, I think one of her superpowers is her mental toughness. If she’s able to go, she’ll go,” Brondello said.
Coach Brondello, Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and the rest of the Liberty franchise are looking to win consecutive WNBA championships after winning their first title in the 2024 WNBA Finals.
Also Read: WNBA Playoff Picture 2025: Full List Of Matchups, Top Rivalries, and More As Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese Miss Out
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
