In a much-anticipated return, Jonquel Jones is set to rejoin the New York Liberty lineup just in time for their game against the Atlanta Dream at Barclays Center. The news comes as a significant boost for the Liberty, who have been grappling with the challenges of a recent defeat against the Indiana Fever, during which they showcased vulnerabilities on both offense and defense.
Coach Sandy Brondello confirmed during Monday’s practice that Jones will be active for the game on Tuesday, and there will be no minutes restriction for the 2024 WNBA Finals MVP. This announcement provides not only relief but excitement for fans and teammates alike, as the Liberty look to regain their footing after facing their first loss of the season.
Jones had been sidelined due to a right ankle sprain sustained during a game against the Washington Mystics on June 5. Just six minutes into the game, Jones rolled her ankle under the basket and was visibly in distress as she was helped off the court. Her absence over the following two games, including the heavy loss to the Fever, highlighted her importance to the team. The Liberty, who had enjoyed a franchise-best 9-0 start, saw their defensive efforts suffer without her presence.
The Liberty’s performance against the Fever was a glaring example of the team’s need for Jones’ versatile skill set. Without both Jones and Leonie Fiebich—who is currently representing Germany in Eurobasket—the Liberty were challenged defensively, allowing the Fever to score an alarming 102 points, including 17 three-pointers. Jones’s return could not be more timely, as her defensive prowess and ability to score will be crucial against formidable opponents like Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones.
Sabrina Ionescu, a key member of the Liberty, pointed out the palpable impact of missing two starters: “There’s funky lineups. With two starters down, obviously, you could see it was a little bit rusty and not as fluid. It was a great learning opportunity to figure out how we can continue to build chemistry with everyone on the team.” The chemistry Ionescu refers to is vital for the Liberty’s success as they aim for the playoffs.
In her previous performances this season, Jones has demonstrated her valuable contributions, averaging 13.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game, while shooting an impressive 47.8% from the field. Perhaps most notably, she has improved her three-point shooting significantly, boasting a 42.9% success rate from beyond the arc compared to 38.8% the previous season. This notable increase in her range presents an added dimension to the Liberty’s offensive strategy, making her a dual threat on the court.
As the Liberty prepare for their matchup against the Dream, the players and fans alike will be eager to see how Jones integrates back into the team dynamic. With her return, Brondello and Ionescu both expressed optimism that her skill set will help restore balance and effectiveness to both the offense and the defense.
The upcoming game is not just another regular season match; it presents an opportunity for the Liberty to bounce back and reinforce their status as one of the leading teams in the league. The anticipation of Jones’ presence on the court offers hope that the Liberty can return to their winning ways and shake off the disappointment of their recent performance against Indiana.
With the added pressure of playing in front of a home crowd at Barclays Center, all eyes will be on Jones as she makes her return. For fans and supporters of the Liberty, her presence signals not just the comeback of a star player, but a re-energization of the team’s aspirations this season. The basketball community is undoubtedly excited to witness her in action once again, contributing to what promises to be an electrifying matchup against the Dream.
As the Liberty adjust their strategy and lineups, Jones’s return could very well be the turning point as they work towards their ultimate goal: competing for a championship. With the playoffs on the horizon, every game counts, and having a player of Jonquel Jones’s caliber back on the court will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for the team’s performance moving forward.
For now, supporters can take solace in the fact that the team’s cornerstone is back, ready to deliver memorable performances once again, and striving to help the Liberty reclaim their dominant status in the league. The energy in the Barclays Center is sure to be palpable as Jonquel Jones takes her place among her teammates once more, and the anticipation for her performance grows by the minute.
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