News Summary
Breanna Stewart left the New York Liberty’s narrow defeat against the Los Angeles Sparks due to a lower leg injury just minutes into the game. The Liberty’s five-game winning streak came to an end as the team faces uncertainty regarding Stewart’s health. Despite her exit, Sabrina Ionescu shone for the Liberty with 30 points, while the Sparks celebrated a game-winning buzzer-beater from Rickea Jackson. With a challenging schedule ahead, the Liberty must find ways to sustain their performance without their star player.
New York City – Breanna Stewart exited the New York Liberty’s 101-99 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks with a lower leg injury less than four minutes into the first quarter, leaving fans and teammates concerned. Stewart had managed to score three points and grab one rebound before the unfortunate incident, which occurred non-contact as she was running up the court during a transition play.
This loss halted the Liberty’s five-game winning streak, a setback for a team that had been on a roll. Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello could not provide any updates on Stewart’s condition following the game, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the star player’s health. Prior to this match, Stewart was averaging 19 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game this season, highlighting her immense value to the team.
Stewart’s exit from the game is particularly impactful given that she had just returned from a nine-game absence due to a previously aggravated ankle injury. The match against the Sparks marked the second in a back-to-back for New York, following their recent victory over the Phoenix Mercury. Moreover, the Liberty are entering a challenging road stretch, with five of their next six games set to be played away from home.
The game itself was a close contest, with the Sparks managing to claim victory thanks to a remarkable performance from Rickea Jackson, who led her team with 24 points, including a game-winning buzzer-beater. This victory marked the Sparks’ fifth consecutive win, pushing their record to 11-14 and keeping them in contention for playoff spots in the league. Meanwhile, the Liberty’s record now stands at 17-7, placing them with the second-best record in the WNBA.
Sabrina Ionescu had a standout performance for the Liberty, scoring an impressive 30 points, along with eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals. Ionescu’s points were particularly crucial late in the game, and this match marked her third 30-point effort of the season, after a near 30-point game against the Mercury just prior. Additionally, Jonquel Jones achieved a milestone by moving into seventh place on the Liberty’s all-time blocks list during the contest.
In addition to Stewart’s injury, the Liberty faced other injury concerns during the game, with Kennedy Burke suffering from cramps and Leonie Fiebich dealing with a hand injury. The overall health of the team will be essential as they navigate their upcoming challenging schedule.
The Sparks’ victory not only extended their winning streak but also marked the first time in franchise history that they scored over 100 points in consecutive games, showcasing an offensive prowess that has been missing in earlier parts of the season. Having started the season with a record of 6-14, the Sparks are now just a game behind the eighth-place Las Vegas Aces, dramatically improving their playoff chances.
With Stewart’s status uncertain and a tough stretch of games ahead, the Liberty will need to rally and find a way to maintain their success in the face of these challenges.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Breanna Stewart Exits Game vs. Sparks
- USA Today: Breanna Stewart Leg Injury Update
- CBS Sports: Sparks Stun Liberty
- Newsweek: How to Watch Sparks vs. Liberty
- Google Search: WNBA News
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
