Liberty's Breanna Stewart has totally lost one of her best skills
Liberty's Breanna Stewart has totally lost one of her best skills originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . At Cicero-North Syracuse, …
Liberty's Breanna Stewart has totally lost one of her best skills originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Sour
Read Full Story at Yahoo Sports →Why This Matters
The decline in Breanna Stewart’s signature mid-range game isn’t just an individual storyline—it underscores a broader shift in the WNBA’s strategic landscape, where teams are increasingly prioritizing three-point volume and athletic versatility over refined post moves. For a player whose mid-range proficiency once defined her as an unstoppable offensive force, this regression could force Liberty opponents to adjust their defensive schemes in ways that expose weaknesses elsewhere in New York’s roster.
Background Context
Stewart, a two-time WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist, has long been a prototypical stretch four, blending post-up mastery with a deadly pull-up jumper. Her ability to stretch defenses horizontally has been a cornerstone of the Liberty’s offensive identity since her arrival, but a noticeable dip in efficiency—particularly in isolation sets—suggests mechanical or tactical adjustments may be at play, whether from fatigue, defensive schemes, or evolving league trends that favor perimeter play.
What Happens Next
The Liberty’s offensive system may need to compensate by redistributing shot attempts toward sharpshooters like Sabrina Ionescu or Jonquel Jones, or by leaning harder on Stewart’s facilitating role in high-post actions. Meanwhile, opponents could exploit this shift by sagging off her on drives or funneling her toward the baseline, where her efficiency has historically dipped. How head coach Sandy Brondello adapts could determine whether this becomes a temporary blip or a deeper roster-wide issue.
Bigger Picture
Stewart’s struggles mirror a league-wide reckoning with aging superstars who dominated in an era defined by isolation-heavy play. As the WNBA tilts toward positionless basketball and perimeter-driven attacks, players with her skill set face unique challenges—balancing legacy with adaptability. This moment may signal a broader inflection point where traditional post-ups are devalued unless paired with elite three-point shooting or defensive versatility.
