Liberty Secure 8th Seed Despite Loss, Await Injury Updates for Stewart and Jones

The New York Liberty have secured the eighth and final playoff seed after their 83-65 loss to the Atlanta Dream. Their first-round opponent will be the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in a best-of-three series beginning Sunday. However, the Liberty are facing uncertainty regarding the health of two crucial players, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones.

Jones exited Wednesday's game with a left foot injury after appearing to trip on a fan's foot while attempting a step-back three-pointer late in the third quarter. She was later confirmed to have a left ankle injury and did not return to the game.

Stewart was previously ruled out hours before tipoff due to left knee soreness. Coach Chris DeMarco described her absence as precautionary but remained noncommittal about her availability for the playoffs. "It's soreness right now. The play that happened in the last game, just not feeling great. But yeah, hopefully she'll be ready for the playoffs," DeMarco stated.

The Dream controlled the game from the outset, outshooting the Liberty significantly in the first half and building a 15-point lead by halftime. New York's 26 first-half points marked their lowest total in a half since 2022. Despite a late push by the Liberty's reserves in the fourth quarter, the Dream maintained their lead.

New York finished the regular season with a 26-18 record. The team now awaits updates on Stewart and Jones while preparing to face the Minnesota Lynx. The Lynx, who have held the league's best record for much of the season at 32-11, secured the No. 1 seed and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. However, Minnesota has shown vulnerability recently, losing four of their last five games, including a 93-81 defeat to the Liberty. The Lynx also have their own injury concern with rookie Olivia Miles, who was a late scratch due to a left calf injury.