The New York Liberty will have its two biggest stars back in the lineup Monday night.
Breanna Stewart said after shootaround that she will play against the Connecticut Sun, returning from a right knee bone bruise that sidelined her for 13 games. Head coach Sandy Brondello said Stewart will be on a minutes restriction in the “20s” as she works her way back.
“Yeah, I’m going tonight,” Stewart said. “I just want to be back with my team, and I’ll try and help make things a little bit easier on all fronts, and know that this is important for our playoff push. I took the time I needed and was on the training staff for the entire four weeks, but happy to be back.”
Stewart, who turns 31 on Wednesday, has averaged 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 24 games this season. The two-time MVP and seven-time All-Star was injured in a July 26 loss to Los Angeles. New York went 5-8 in her absence and has dropped to fifth in the standings at 22-15.
“I think just energy, length, defensive presence, like just bringing us the versatility back on both ends to kind of pick up our pace a little bit, make sure we get rebounds so then we can get out and actually do what we do and run,” Stewart said.
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She added that she is especially eager to be back alongside Emma Meesseman.
“I’m really excited to share the court with Emma again. I think that our IQ and chemistry is going to come together really quickly, because we just make the right play, the right read. I’m hoping to ease her load a little bit, set her up, put her in some better spots where she can get really comfortable.”
Sabrina Ionescu will also return after missing Saturday’s loss in Atlanta with a left foot injury. She was hurt two nights earlier against Chicago when she got tangled up with Sky center Kamilla Cardoso chasing a loose ball. Ionescu played through the pain before fouling out in the final minute, but Saturday marked just the second game she has missed all season.
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Ionescu has averaged 19.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 35 games.
The Liberty have seven regular-season games remaining as they try to climb back up the standings before the postseason. Isabelle Harrison is a game-time decision, while Natasha Cloud will not play, and Nyara Sabally remains out.
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