Breanna Stewart’s Challenging WNBA Season and Coach Geno Auriemma’s Confidence

The 2023 WNBA season proved to be a tumultuous ride for Breanna Stewart, marked by injuries and a notable shooting slump. Despite these challenges, her former mentor and UConn coach, Geno Auriemma, remains optimistic about her capabilities as a player.

A Rollercoaster Season for the Liberty

The New York Liberty, led by Stewart, faced significant trials throughout the season. While they started off impressively with a franchise-record 9-0 run, injuries to key players, including Betnijah Laney-Hamilton and Kayla Thornton, ultimately impeded their journey, leading to an early playoff exit.

Key Highlights of Stewart’s Performance

• Scoring Challenges: Although Stewart led the team with an average of 18.3 points per game, this marked her lowest scoring average since her rookie season in 2016.
• Shooting Statistics: Her shooting accuracy from beyond the arc plummeted to a career-low of 24.1%, a significant decline from her performance in 2024.

“When you have a player like Stewie who usually excels, it’s puzzling to witness such a dip," Auriemma remarked. “Sometimes, even the best go through slumps, just like any athlete in any sport.”

Playoff Performance Under Pressure

Despite her struggles, Stewart exhibited her resilience during the playoffs. In a decisive Game 3 against the Phoenix Mercury, she delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 30 points, alongside 9 rebounds, while playing with a knee injury. This showcased her ability to step up under pressure, even as the Liberty faced an unexpected early exit.

The Difficulty of Repeating Success

Auriemma, speaking at the Big East media day, commented on the challenges of seeking back-to-back championships, emphasizing that just because a team retains its core doesn’t guarantee success. “Injuries and other uncontrollable factors can drastically affect outcomes,” he mentioned.

He noted, “While it’s crucial to have talent, it’s equally important for everything to align perfectly for champions to emerge.”

Auriemma’s Continued Faith in Stewart

Throughout the ups and downs of Stewart’s season, Auriemma has maintained confidence in her abilities. He reflects, “Even in difficult times, Stewie continues to be a force on the court. It’s essential to understand that pressures mount with expectations, but her talent is undeniable.”

Looking Ahead: The Liberty and their fans will undoubtedly anticipate a stronger performance from Stewart in the upcoming season, hoping for both a healthy roster and a revived offensive game.

Conclusion

As the WNBA season wraps up, the journey of Breanna Stewart illustrates the complexities athletes face, from personal struggles to team dynamics. While this season may not have gone as planned for Stewart and the Liberty, the unwavering support from Auriemma and her commitment to excellence ensure that the future remains bright.

For more insights on sports and player performances, check out ESPN and WNBA for the latest updates and analyses.