Liberty Win OT Game 1 Over Mercury with Stewart Injured

The New York Liberty overcame a challenging game and a near collapse to defeat the Phoenix Mercury 76-69 in overtime in Game 1 of their best-of-three first-round playoff series. Natasha Cloud led the Liberty with 23 points, while Breanna Stewart contributed 18 points before leaving the game late in overtime due to a left knee injury, raising concerns given her recent return from a bone bruise in the other knee. The Liberty rallied after squandering a seven-point lead in the third quarter, with Cloud's critical three-pointer and Stewart's layup helping force overtime. Phoenix's Alyssa Thomas came close to sealing the game in regulation but missed a crucial layup, and the Mercury struggled with shooting percentages and turnovers. Leonie Fiebich's late three-pointer in overtime helped the Liberty pull away, but Stewart's injury casts uncertainty on New York's progression in the series as they prepare for Game 2 at home. Despite the win, the Liberty’s history of injuries and Stewart's condition remain significant concerns for their playoff aspirations.