Stewart and Ionescu also indicated their expectations to return to the Liberty in 2026, but questions linger about the overall makeup of the roster. Laney-Hamilton was sorely missed, and her absence had a trickle-down effect on Leonie Fiebich, who struggled in a larger role.

The New York Liberty host the Phoenix Mercury in Game 2 of their First Round WNBA Playoff Series on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

The New York Liberty endured a poetic, if not heartbreaking, end to its first season postseason title defense.

Stewart has been New York’s pulse all season. The Liberty had their best net rating with Stewart on the court (plus-10.4 points per 100 possessions); Stewart also had the biggest on-off swing, as New York was 11.5 points per 100 possessions worse without her on the court and 5-8 without her in the lineup.

If New York finds more balance, tightens execution and preserves its health, the blueprint for another Finals run is clear. This year’s early exit is a disappointment, but it can also be the foundation for a stronger, more complete push back to the top.

One Breanna Stewart quote from the aftermath of the New York Liberty's season-ender was no doubt uttered by the legions of seafoam at some point during the thre

But Liberty stars stood ten toes down in their support of coach Sandy Brondello late Friday night after their season-ending Game 3 loss to the Mercury . “I mean to anybody that kind of questions Sandy being here, like, this is a resilient group,” Breanna Stewart said. “She has our back and we have hers.”