Liberty’s Playoff Concerns

MINNEAPOLIS — The Liberty are approaching the playoffs with some notable concerns regarding two key players.

Breanna Stewart is anticipated to participate in Game 1 of the first-round series against the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday. She had to sit out the Liberty’s last regular-season game due to some soreness in her left knee.

In contrast, Jonquel Jones’ status for the playoff opener is more uncertain because she rolled her left ankle in the previous match.

Coach Chris DeMarco mentioned earlier that Stewart’s absence was primarily precautionary. However, he refrained from assuring her full readiness for the playoffs.

Stewart spoke to reporters on Saturday for the first time since she was ruled out for that last game. She expressed feeling “incredible” and “great,” although she did mention experiencing some swelling after an incident with Rhyne Howard in the Liberty’s penultimate game.

She described the feeling as something being pulled in a “weird” manner but seemed to minimize any concerns about its severity.

Both Stewart and Jones were “almost” participating fully in Saturday’s practice ahead of the playoff matches, as noted by DeMarco.

Despite her injury label, Jones remarked, “I feel good,” and when asked about her potential participation, she added, “We’re working through it. We’ll see.”

There was a hint of a smile on Jones’s face while she said that.

Currently, Jones is listed as “questionable” on the team’s injury report, which is a bit of relief considering the slew of injuries the Liberty have faced this season.

DeMarco shared his concern about the late-season injuries, saying, “It’s a scary end of the year. You want to be fully healthy going into the playoffs.” He acknowledged the worry surrounding JJ’s ankle but mentioned he feels positive about their health heading into the games.

The Lynx, too, are navigating some injury issues as they enter postseason play. Olivia Miles, for instance, missed the last couple of regular-season games due to a calf injury.

Speaking with reporters on Saturday, Miles expressed her eagerness for the playoff atmosphere at the Target Center, saying, “It’s always electric in there, but I can’t imagine what it will be like tomorrow.” She mentioned her excitement about feeling the game’s physicality and engaging fully in the experience.