Liberty Star Jonquel Jones Suffers Ankle Injury, Status Questionable

New York Liberty star center Jonquel Jones suffered a right ankle injury during a game against the Washington Mystics but has avoided a serious setback, with the team hopeful she can return to limited activity soon. Jones, the 2024 WNBA Finals MVP, was injured in the first quarter after rolling her ankle on a play under the basket and was helped off the court, initially ruled out for the remainder of the game. Despite the injury, the Liberty extended their undefeated season to 8-0, relying on contributions from Breanna Stewart and bench players as they managed depth challenges exacerbated by Nyara Sabally's ongoing knee injury. Coach Sandy Brondello noted that Sabally might return soon, and Stewart can also fill in at center when needed, providing options to maintain the team's strong performance. Jones is averaging impressive stats this season, including 13.9 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, and her presence remains crucial as the Liberty pursue back-to-back titles. The team continues to emphasize defense and balanced scoring as they navigate the physical toll of the season and maintain their top spot in the standings.