Breanna Stewart said the New York Liberty are not playing like champions, bluntly assessing her team’s recent struggles after Saturday’s 92-75 loss to the Phoenix Mercury.
The Liberty, who won the franchise’s first championship in 2024, began this season with a 9-0 start but have fallen back to the pack. Following the defeat in Phoenix, New York’s record dropped to 24-16, meaning the team is 15-16 since its perfect start.
The Liberty turned the ball over 19 times against the Mercury, leading to 26 Phoenix points. They were also outrebounded on the offensive glass and outscored 43-24 in the second half.
Stewart said those kinds of breakdowns are the difference between a contender and a pretender.
“I think what was said [in the Liberty locker room after the game] is, it’s not good enough,” Stewart said. “It’s not gonna cut it. Any of the things that we’ve done today — and honestly, for a while — is not gonna get us to where we want to be.”
The two-time WNBA MVP said the issues go beyond injuries and missed games, pointing instead to mindset and execution.
“This is not championship-level basketball at this point, and everybody needs to recognize that and understand that we need to get there,” Stewart said. “And that starts with the mindset, and then putting it onto the court.”
Read more: Paige Bueckers Channels Stephen Curry With Inspiring Message to Dallas Wings Fans
Injuries have contributed to New York’s inconsistency. Sabrina Ionescu is out with a toe injury, while Stewart herself missed several weeks earlier this summer with a knee problem. Jonquel Jones has also dealt with setbacks, and the Liberty have already used 16 different starting lineups. Their top trio of Stewart, Jones, and Ionescu has been on the floor together for only 13 games this season.
Despite those challenges, Stewart said time is running out for excuses with only four games left in the regular season.
“This is obviously a learning opportunity,” Stewart said. “But we’re kind of running out of opportunities for growth at this point. We need to just actually be better.”
Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged the team’s inconsistency but said she believes the group can still make a run if it finds stability.
“We’re not where we need to be,” Brondello said. “But that’s it. We just got to hang in there and work this out. And we know what we’re capable of, and that’s what we have to focus on.”
Read more: Sue Bird Reveals Her 2025 WNBA MVP Choice Without Hesitation
New York currently sits in the No. 5 seed and would face the Mercury in the first round if the standings hold.
Whether the Liberty can rediscover the form that carried them to a championship last year could decide whether this season ends with a repeat bid or a missed opportunity.
Make sure to follow Newsweek Sports for all New York Liberty and WNBA news and updates.
The post Breanna Stewart Sounds Off on Liberty After Another Setback vs. Mercury appeared first on Newsweek.
