The New York Liberty Played Horribly and Got Put Out of the Playoffs!

A season that once looked like a coronation for the New York Liberty ended with a stunning thud. Entering the postseason as heavy favorites to return to the WNBA Finals, the Liberty stumbled badly in their elimination game, shooting a season-low percentage from the field and committing a rash of turnovers that doomed them before the fourth quarter even began.

From the opening tip the energy looked off. The offense that had hummed all summer — built around Sabrina Ionescu’s shooting and Breanna Stewart’s versatility — never found rhythm. Missed layups, blown defensive assignments, and a stagnant half-court attack allowed their opponent to seize control early. By halftime, the crowd at Barclays Center was in shock as the underdog pushed the lead into double digits.

In the locker room afterwards, Liberty players admitted the loss was “self-inflicted.” Stewart called it “unacceptable,” saying the team failed to match the physicality and urgency of playoff basketball. Coach Sandy Brondello pointed to the 19 turnovers as the defining statistic, each one leading to easy transition points for the other side.

Meanwhile, the upset win sent a message about the league’s rising parity. No longer can even the most star-studded roster sleepwalk through a playoff series. Young teams like the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream have brought speed and aggression that punish mistakes and reward effort.

For New York, the early exit leaves hard questions about roster construction, chemistry, and mental toughness. The Liberty’s offseason will be dominated by discussions of how to add depth, protect the ball, and rediscover the edge that propelled them to the top of the standings. For fans, the disappointment is raw, but the window remains open with Stewart and Ionescu in their prime.

The WNBA playoffs roll on without one of its biggest draws, but the shockwave of New York’s collapse has already reshaped the bracket — and reminded everyone that in this league, nothing is guaranteed.