The New York Liberty may have the most to gain and lose during the final week of the WNBA season. New York returns with a 24-16 record, tied with Washington and Dallas. The Liberty currently occupy the No. 6 seed because of the league\u2019s tiebreaker procedures.<\/p>\n
Their position is far from secure.<\/p>\n
New York begins its final stretch Friday at Minnesota. The Liberty then visit eliminated Toronto before returning home for consecutive games against Atlanta.<\/p>\n
Three of New York\u2019s four remaining games are against top-four teams.<\/p>\n
Washington plays three eliminated opponents during the same stretch. Dallas will not face another playoff team.<\/p>\n
That difference gives the Liberty little room for error.<\/p>\n
Stewart returns after World Cup MVP performance<\/p>\n
Breanna Stewart will rejoin New York after leading Team USA to another World Cup championship. Stewart scored 22 points and collected nine rebounds in the United States\u2019 97-79 victory over France in the championship game. She was named the tournament\u2019s Most Valuable Player.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her performance was encouraging for a Liberty team that will need its captain at her best immediately. New York\u2019s first game back comes against the WNBA\u2019s top team. Minnesota also has plenty at stake because it needs two victories to secure the No. 1 seed.<\/p>\n
The Liberty have been much better at Barclays Center than away from it. New York is 14-6 at home but only 10-10 on the road. Both games against Minnesota and Toronto will be played away from home.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Stewart\u2019s turnaround also is unusually tight. Team USA completed the World Cup on Sunday, leaving only a few days to travel, recover and prepare for Minnesota.<\/p>\n
New York conducted informal practices and individual development work during the break with the players who remained behind. The returning international players will have to reintegrate quickly.\u00a0<\/p>\n