Why is Breanna Stewart not playing today against Sun? Latest injury update for Liberty superstar (July 16)

Breanna Stewart won't be available for the New York Liberty when they face the Connecticut Sun tonight. The two-time WNBA champion was listed as questionable for the game, but has since been ruled out. The team is resting her before the All-Star Game and the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Stewart missed her first game of the season against the Chicago Sky on Saturday due to a hamstring injury and now it seems her team is being cautious about this issue.

The Liberty hold a 1.5-game advantage over the Connecticut Sun in the Eastern Conference standings. A loss wouldn't be the end of the world, but it would put the Sun in a good position to hunt the New Yorkers down once the league resumes.

The Sun were close to winning their last matchup against the Liberty, and it was Stewart, alongside Sabrina Ionescu, who propelled her team to a hard-fought win at Mohegan Sun Arena. Without Breanna Stewart, Connecticut has a good chance to take revenge.

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Breanna Stewart had a clutch performance in previous game against the Sun

The last time Breanna Stewart faced the Connecticut Sun, she recorded a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. She was key in the 71-68 win with a clutch block against DeWanna Bonner in the last seconds of the fourth quarter, leading to a huge Sabrina Ionescu 3-pointer that gave the Liberty the final advantage.

Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello explained that they can't replace their superstar, but urged other players to step up in her absence.

"Jonquel Jones, she does a good job of roaming...we just have to be smart...AT, she loves to do those drop passes to Dijonai...you don't replace Breanna Stewart...can we all do a little more?"

Breanna Stewart has played 23 games this season, averaging 19.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists, shooting 45.4% from the field and 86.9% from the free-throw line. The Liberty will enter the Olympic break with the best record in the league.