New York's Breanna Stewart sits out finale with left knee soreness as playoffs near

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NEW YORK (AP) — New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart missed the regular season finale against the Atlanta Dream with left knee soreness, coach Chris DeMarco said before the game.

“Some soreness crept in,” DeMarco said. “A play from the last game, and didn’t wake up feeling great. We got a run here with the playoffs. It’s just precautionary with soreness.”

Stewart has helped New York to a 26-17 record, averaging 20.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists. She's also been great on the defensive end with 1.4 steals and 1.3 per game blocks this season.

“I’m not sure yet on the workload piece or the availability,” DeMarco said. “Hopefully she’ll be ready for the playoffs.”

Stewart talked to the media after shootaround on Wednesday and didn't mention any sort of injury or soreness.

She had missed one game earlier this season to rest. If Atlanta wins the game Thursday, the Dream would lock up the No. 4 seed in the playoffs. New York can only get as high as a sixth-seed with a victory. Otherwise they'll finish eighth and play Minnesota in the first round that begin Sunday.

Atlanta beat New York 95-84 when they met Monday and Stewart had 27 points and 14 rebounds in 37 minutes in that game. It was New York's third game in four days.

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