Just when you thought the New York Liberty’s injury luck couldn’t get worse, it did! With Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones joining the sidelines, the team is truly testing its depth against the Washington Mystics. Can the remaining players rise to the challenge, or will their playoff hopes take another hit?
The New York Liberty’s 2025 WNBA season continues to be plagued by an unrelenting string of New York Liberty injuries, casting a significant shadow over their aspirations as the regular season nears its conclusion. What began with initial hopes for a healthier roster has quickly devolved into a familiar narrative of key players sidelined, forcing the team to constantly adapt to unforeseen challenges. This recurring medical misfortune has tested the resilience of the entire organization, particularly as they prepare for a crucial Washington Mystics game.
Adding to their already extensive injury report, the Liberty announced two more critical absences ahead of Thursday night’s contest. All-Star guard Sabrina Ionescu will miss the game due to a Sabrina Ionescu injury, specifically a toe issue, while formidable forward Jonquel Jones is sidelined with a Jonquel Jones illness. These recent setbacks compound the team’s woes, depriving them of two pivotal players who are central to their offensive and defensive strategies, making the upcoming game an even greater test of depth and strategic adjustments.
These fresh injury concerns are in addition to the ongoing absences of other important contributors to the team. Guard Natasha Cloud remains out due to a nose injury, and promising forward Nyara Sabally continues her recovery from a knee issue. The sheer volume of injuries throughout the WNBA 2025 season has made it challenging for head coach Sandy Brondello to maintain consistent lineups and foster seamless team chemistry, underscoring the team’s persistent battle against adversity.
As the regular season winds down, the Liberty, currently holding a 23-15 record, find themselves in a precarious fifth position on the WNBA bracket. They trail the runner-up Las Vegas by two games with only six contests remaining, making every single game critically important for their playoff aspirations. The absence of integral players at such a pivotal juncture could severely impact their seeding and momentum heading into the highly competitive playoff picture, demanding extraordinary efforts from the available roster.
Head coach Sandy Brondello candidly acknowledged the team’s continuous struggle with injuries, quipping with a smirk, “Welcome to the New York Liberty, 2025,” highlighting the pervasive nature of their medical challenges. This sentiment underscores the extraordinary circumstances the team has faced during their 2025 championship defense. Strikingly, Marine Johannes stands as the solitary player who has managed to appear in all 38 games to date, a testament to her remarkable durability amidst widespread team absences.
There was a brief moment of optimism earlier in the day when the injury report initially appeared to shrink, offering a glimmer of hope for the New York Liberty’s health. Natasha Cloud, who missed the previous game against Connecticut due to a “slight fracture” in her nose, was the only player initially ruled out, suggesting a potential improvement. However, this momentary relief was swiftly overshadowed by the subsequent additions of Ionescu and Jones to the growing list of unavailable players for the Washington Mystics game.
Amidst the challenging news regarding the team’s health, there is a silver lining with the anticipated return of Isabelle Harrison. She is expected to take the court for the first time since August 10th, having completed her time in concussion protocol. Harrison’s return provides a much-needed boost to the Liberty’s frontcourt depth and could offer some stability, injecting a renewed sense of hope and experienced presence into a roster grappling with significant absences as they push for playoff success and positive basketball news.
The coming games will undoubtedly serve as a crucial test of the New York Liberty’s collective resolve and strategic adaptability. With key players sidelined due to injuries, the remaining squad members will need to elevate their individual performances and strengthen their collective teamwork. Coach Brondello’s ability to navigate these significant personnel challenges and inspire her team will be paramount in determining whether the Liberty can overcome these substantial hurdles and solidify their position in the WNBA playoffs during this challenging WNBA 2025 season.
