In the Hot Seat: The Liberty versus The Aces
Basketball fans nationwide were glued to their screens last Saturday as the much-anticipated WNBA Finals rematch went down. The match saw the Las Vegas Aces, with two successive championships under their belt, blazing against the New York Liberty. As the drama unfolded, one player stole the limelight and emerged as the game’s leading star.
The Jonquel Jones Show
Laughing in the face of high-pressure action, Jonquel Jones turned the court into her personal stage. Undoubtedly, her best performance as a Liberty player, Jones notched up a career-best 34 points. She further bolstered her tally with eight rebounds and one assist. Accomplishing this celebrated feat in just 33 minutes of gameplay, Jones had a shooting rate of 75%- a career-high.
Aiding Liberty’s Winning Streak
Notably, Jones’ contributions weren’t just a one-day feat. Her top-notch performance powered the Liberty to secure their eighth consecutive victory. The winning spree showcases Jones in a vital role, emerging as a prime choice recently.
Liberty’s head coach, Sandy Brondello, lauded Jones for her incredible performance, endorsing her striking form after Liberty’s 90-82 win last Saturday.
A Triumph-Trilogy: Jonquel Jones
Jones’ success story doesn’t end there. The Liberty versus Aces match was the final act of a splendid three-games show. In each play, she reflected her MVP status from 2021 when she played for the Connecticut Sun.
Squaring off against the Sun, Jones made her presence felt, amassing 22 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. She led the Liberty to a critical victory in the Commissioner’s Cup Final. The next day, Jones escalated her game even further against the Mystics, pouring in 29 points while collecting eight rebounds and recording two blocks.
Her final victory came last Saturday as she outclassed A’ja Wilson, the MVP frontrunner. Even though Wilson scored 21 points, backed with nine rebounds and three assists, Jones’ defensive prowess won Brondello’s approval.
Overcoming Obstacles and Rising High
Jonquel Jones has been a consistent performer with an impressive average for the last three games. However, her journey wasn’t always smooth. Her performance in 2023 was stalled due to a foot injury she sustained during the 2022 WNBA Finals.
But 2024 is a different story. Returning healthier and more seasoned in Brondello’s system, Jones’ chemistry with her teammates is palpable. Particularly with star player Sabrina Ionescu, who racked up 12 assists – a significant chunk of those on Jones’ scores.
“Team Chemistry Is Key,” Jones Believes
According to Jones, the team’s bond has been integral to her success. She believes in a seamless flow when you reach the pinnacle of your potential. Her sentiments are shared by her coach too. Brondello emphasizes the ease that comes with a better understanding of the system and teammates in the second year.
Ionescu, a star in her right, chimed with praises for Jones, framing her as “the best post player in the league”. The title is still officially held by two-time MVP winner, Wilson. But Jones’ fantastic run could soon put her in the running for future MVP talks.
In Brondello’s words, the magic of Jones’ ascent lies not in a sudden change of strategy but just a mix of playing inside and outside. Jones’ recent surge showcases her as a versatile player who can successfully function both inside and outside the paint. That, combined with her accurate three-point shooting, makes her a formidable force on the court. If her winning streak continues, Jones might soon see herself etching a significant mark in WNBA history.