Although the Liberty are on a two-game losing streak, there has been great promise in their play. The consistency is leveling, and what players are lacking will hopefully be covered in Breanna Stewart’s return.
Stewart has missed ten games in a row due to a bone bruise in her right knee. The good news is that she plans to rejoin her team on the court by the end of August. The great news is that Stewie has been watching her team like a hawk and observing what needs to be done when she’s back.
Initially, the team struggled in the frontcourt while Stewart was out. She is the second leading rebounder on the Liberty. Her absence hurt the Liberty when it came to second-chance points.
Luckily, Emma Meesseman has recovered from much of the damage caused by Stewart’s absence, but still not enough to defeat top teams like the Minnesota Lynx.
Another huge downside to the two-time MVP sitting out is the decrease in made shots. The Liberty’s shooting percentage has fallen rapidly. Although this has allowed bench players like Marine Johannes and Isabelle Harrison to make a bigger impact, Stewart is too much of an offensive weapon to lose.
The Liberty are 4-6 without Stewart in the lineup this season.
Comeback of the Century
The most exciting part of Stewart’s return is how she can work with a team that has greatly developed since losing her. The Liberty struggled badly when Stewie was initially sitting. After a few roster adjustments and confidence boosters, it seems like they are getting back on their feet.
After head coach Sandy Brondello picked up Messeeman, she began to point the Liberty in the direction they needed to go after losing Stewart. Messeeman is a powerhouse on her own, so imagine the havoc that she and Stewart could create on the court when playing together.
Two players who love taking the ball to the basket but aren’t afraid to shoot from the three, but are both team players. The pair played together in Turkey, as well as Russia. In Turkey, they each averaged at least 15 points per game and 6 rebounds.
Messeman’s chemistry with other former international teammates who play for New York came back instantly. There should be no problem with her and Stewart connecting on the court again.
For now, Messeeman continues to play without the help of Stewart. If all goes to plan, Breanna Stewart will be back before her 31st birthday on August 27th.
It may be Stewie’s birthday, but the Liberty fans are the ones getting the best gift of all: her return.
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