Jonquel Jones Steps Up for Liberty Amid Injuries
Jonquel Jones has made a significant impact since returning to the Liberty after dealing with an ankle injury. Her team has faced tough times, especially with multiple players sidelined, but she’s risen to the occasion.
In her recent game against the Wings, which resulted in an 85-76 victory, Jones recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds—her ninth appearance this season. Coach Sandy Brondello highlighted a “real breakthrough” moment in Jones’ performance, especially following a solid game against Connecticut where she tallied 21 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.
With Breanna Stewart, Nyara Sabally, and Kennedy Burke all unavailable for the foreseeable future, the pressure on Jones, the 2024 WNBA Finals MVP, has intensified. Interestingly, she believes that the challenges—like the tough six-game stretch her team just completed—have helped ease her back into the rhythm of things.
“I felt pretty close to 100% when I returned,” Jones mentioned before the game. “This stretch has been challenging, but on the bright side, I was able to get some minutes in and improve my conditioning.” It seems she’s found a rhythm after dedicating many hours to personal workouts and collaborating with the team’s player development director.
However, she noted that nothing truly prepares you like actual game play. “Until you’re on the court playing 5-on-5, you can’t replicate that experience,” she said. “Those long hours training have definitely made a difference.” It’s fascinating to see how athletes articulate their return to form after injury.
In her first eight games back, Jones averaged 16.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 45.2% overall and 40.0% from deep. Brondello has been impressed with how she’s handled the pressure. “The initial game back tends to go well for returning players, but she’s really done a great job pushing through even when it gets tough,” the coach noted.
Amid all this, Sabally has been notably absent from the Liberty bench. A spokesperson stated she had returned to Germany for treatment, although details about her situation remain unclear. Sabally, who has been sidelined since July 16 due to right knee discomfort, is expected back soon, which should help bolster the team further.
