Make New York Post a Preferred Source MINNEAPOLIS — The Liberty are heading into the playoffs with two of their biggest stars at the center of concern.
Breanna Stewart is expected to play Sunday in Game 1 of the first-round series against the Minnesota Lynx after sitting out the Libs’ regular-season finale Wednesday with left knee soreness.
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Meanwhile, Jonquel Jones’ status is far less certain after she rolled her left ankle in the last game.
Coach Chris DeMarco previously described Stewart’s absence as precautionary, though he stopped short of guaranteeing her availability for the playoffs.
Speaking Saturday for the first time since she was downgraded to “out” for that last game, Stewart told The Post she feels “incredible” and “great.”
She acknowledged she had some swelling in her knee after Rhyne Howard accidentally fell into her in the Liberty’s second-to-last game.
Stewart said she felt something get pulled in a “weird” way but downplayed the severity.
Stewart and Jones were “almost” full participants Saturday in the Liberty’s final tuneup ahead of the playoffs, according to DeMarco.
Despite the injury designation, Jones said, “I feel good.”
As for whether she’ll play, she said, “We’re working through it. We’ll see.”
Pauline Astier (18), Marine Fauthoux (4) and forward Breanna Stewart (center) sit on the bench during the Liberty’s loss to the Dream on Sep. 23, 2026 at Barclays Center. Jess Stiles Jones punctuated those words with what appeared to be a sly smile.
Jones was listed as “questionable” on the Liberty’s injury report.
All in all, talk about a sigh of relief for the Liberty, who have been riddled with injuries this season.
“It’s scary end of the year,” DeMarco said. “You want to be fully healthy going into the playoffs and so even the other night, the tweak with JJ’s ankle, and of course, it’s scary but we feel good. We feel like we’re gonna be healthy going in.”
The Lynx were also dealing with some injury concerns heading into the postseason.
Olivia Miles missed the final two games of the regular season with a calf injury.
Jonquel Jones dribbles the ball upcourt during the Liberty’s loss to the Dream on Sept. 23, 2026 at Barclays Center. NBAE via Getty Images She spoke with Minnesota reporters Saturday and appeared ready to go.
She said she’s eager to “to feel the energy” of a playoff atmosphere in Target Center.
“It’s always electric in there,” Miles said, “but I can’t imagine what it will be like tomorrow. I’m excited to feel the physicality of the game, obviously feel it out.”
