Breanna Stewart: A New Season of Recovery and Resilience

As the off-season kicks into gear, Breanna Stewart, a powerhouse player for the New York Liberty, reflects on a challenging season marred by injuries but filled with valuable lessons. With the Liberty’s disappointing early exit from the playoffs, Stewart’s focus now shifts towards healing and rejuvenation.

A Grueling Season Comes to an End

Stewart concluded her season with an unfortunate sprained MCL in her left knee, a painful reminder of the wear and tear from an intense 11-month period. This injury was just one of several lower-body issues that accumulated over time, pushing her resilience to its limits.

Post-Season Reflection

Stewart expressed gratitude for the time the off-season provides:

• "I’m really happy with where I’m at," she stated, indicating a positive outlook as she prepares for the second season of Unrivaled.
• She took a much-needed break from the sport, prioritizing her health after a demanding year, which included a vacation that added to her recovery.

Health and Healing: The Focus of Off-Season

Despite the physical challenges she faced, Stewart reported that none of her injuries required surgical intervention. This off-season, her recovery protocol included:

• Platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid injections to alleviate joint pain.
• A significant break from the court, which she noted was crucial: “I can’t tell you the last time where I was just not on the basketball court for a month.”

Injury Timeline

Stewart’s injuries began last year, culminating in a series of setbacks:

• Right knee injury during Game 5 of the 2024 WNBA Finals.
• Minor cleanup surgery on her right meniscus in March, which delayed her preparation for the WNBA season.
• A bone bruise in her right knee forced her off the court for a month after the All-Star break.

These struggles contributed to one of her most tumultuous seasons yet, as she averaged 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.

Performance Analysis

Stewart’s performance statistics reveal the toll that injuries took on her game:

• Field Goals: Approximately 78.7% of her attempts were 2-pointers, significantly higher than her career average of 70.3%.
• Shooting Percentages:
  • 46.1% from the field
  • 74.6% in the restricted area
  • 42.9% in the paint
• Free Throws: A career-high average of 6.5 attempts per game, a testament to her offensive consistency despite challenges.

One noticeable decline is her 3-point shooting, which marked a career-low of 24.7%, highlighting how lower-body injuries may have hindered her vertical lift.

Moving Forward: A Renewed Focus

In her journey following the end of the Liberty’s season, Stewart has embraced the opportunity to heal and regain her form. “Rushing back to play, I didn’t give myself the proper time to really heal,” she admitted. Taking this step back has allowed her to focus on what’s important—the balance between body maintenance and athletic performance.

Gaining Back Confidence

As Stewart readies herself for the upcoming season, she is keen on rediscovering her flow. “Having confidence in my shot is huge,” she emphasized.

• Practicing with former Liberty assistant Zach O’Brien has played a pivotal role in helping Stewart regain her rhythm and confidence on the court.

Conclusion

Breanna Stewart enters this fresh chapter with optimism and clarity, ready to make the most of her recovery. As she gears up for a new season with Unrivaled, fans eagerly anticipate seeing the resurgence of one of the league’s most formidable players. The combination of time off and dedication to re-establishing her rhythm could set the stage for a remarkable return in the upcoming WNBA season.

For more insights on Breanna Stewart and her journey, check out this detailed analysis. Stay updated with her ongoing developments as she navigates this pivotal off-season.