Following a dispiriting blowout loss to the Indiana Fever on July 18, the New York Liberty convened a players-only meeting in the locker room, a pivotal moment that has coincided with a resurgence in their season.
Less than four weeks prior to the meeting, the Liberty suffered a 20-point defeat at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, dropping their record to 13-12 and marking what Breanna Stewart described as a potential low point. In the immediate aftermath, Stewart initiated a discussion focused on self-reflection and re-establishing the team's core identity.
"We had one in the locker room with just the players of really locking in and remembering what got you here," Stewart said. "Because I think sometimes when you’re trying to do everything that the coaches want or trying to play perfectly, it becomes a little bit robotic and it was more so like play your game. That was the message to the players."
For much of the first half of the season, the Liberty struggled with individual play and collective synergy, at times relying on external factors like injuries or officiating as excuses. The players-only meeting aimed to address these internal dynamics and foster a more cohesive unit.
Stewart also engaged in a conversation with first-year coach Chris DeMarco after the post-game press conference, a discussion Stewart characterized as "staying the course." A follow-up meeting occurred after film review the following day.
Despite navigating what Stewart called the worst 10-game stretch of her tenure with the Liberty – a period that included the loss to the Fever and a 2-8 run – the team has since achieved a significant turnaround. New York has won seven of its last eight games entering Tuesday's matchup against the Fever.
Sabrina Ionescu attributed the recent success to factors such as continuity in the starting lineup, a more defined rotation, and established player roles. However, Stewart has also increased her vocal presence, a notable shift for a player who is naturally introverted despite her on-court performance.
"Sometimes you don’t want to try to step on people’s toes, but nobody should take it like that," Stewart explained. "If I have a question or I think something’s not right or I want to ask more, I’m gonna do it. … I’m just not having any type of regrets. I’m gonna be blunt and straightforward with all my things right now."
Stewart maintains confidence in the team's potential, particularly in a multi-game playoff series, but emphasizes the need for continued daily improvement rather than focusing too far ahead.
"We’re still so far from that," she said. "I want us to kind of continue to focus on getting better every single day and sometimes when you look ahead you lose sight of what’s right in front of you. And I just know that we just need to continue to keep building. … Of course I’m confident in this team in a series, but we still have a lot of growth that we need to get done."