Breanna Stewart Criticizes Struggling NY Liberty After WNBA Playoff Clinch

The New York Liberty, defending champions of the 2024 WNBA season, have secured a spot in the 2025 playoffs despite a series of disappointing performances and losses, including recent defeats to the Golden State Valkyries and Phoenix Mercury. Star player Breanna Stewart has openly criticized the team's current level of play, emphasizing that their mindset and execution are not at championship standards, and highlighting that the core trio of Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones has only played together in a limited number of games this season due to injuries. Stewart acknowledged the team's struggles with turnovers, poor shooting percentages, and defensive challenges, noting that these issues have prevented the Liberty from living up to their billing as favorites and defending champions. The team’s inconsistency has raised concerns about their championship prospects, especially in light of their primary rivals, the Minnesota Lynx, who have a 3-1 season lead over the Liberty. Despite these setbacks, Stewart remains determined that the team must improve their mindset and execution quickly to compete at a championship level, with only limited time left in the season. The Liberty's path forward requires overcoming both injury setbacks and mental hurdles to fulfill their potential in the playoffs.