NEW YORK — Jonquel Jones returned to the court Tuesday night at the Barclays Center, energizing the New York Liberty in their 98-84 victory over the Indiana Fever. The star center, who was sidelined since June 19 with an ankle injury, led the team by scoring 18 points in her first game back, fueling hope for the team’s improved performance moving forward.
Liberty Coach and Fanbase Celebrate Jones’s Homecoming
The announcement of the Liberty lineup provoked a wave of excitement as Jones appeared to the roaring crowd, showing a heart sign in appreciation. Head coach Sandy Brondello captured the mood saying,
“It’s a happy day. JJ’s back.”
Jones Shares Her Feelings on Returning to Action
After the game, Jones expressed a mix of joy and relief about her comeback.
“It felt great to be back out there,”
she said.
“Obviously, it’s been a while since I’ve been on the court, but my teammates have held it down while I was out, and everybody was excited for me to be back in. And I was just as excited.”
Season Context and Impact of Jones’s Injury
Before her injury, Jones was a key contributor, averaging 12.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, while shooting nearly 44 percent from three-point range. Her absence coincided with a dip in the Liberty’s fortunes, as the team went 5-4 without her following a strong 9-0 start. With Jones back on the court, the team remains undefeated, underscoring her importance.
Looking Ahead for Jones and the Liberty
Jones has faced challenges this season, including a brief return that aggravated her lingering ankle injury. The successful return during Tuesday night’s win signals cautious optimism for her continued contributions. Her presence is expected to bolster the Liberty’s hopes for sustained success as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Jonquel Jones?
A. Jonquel Jones has been sidelined since June 19 with an aggravated right ankle injury. Since then, the defending WNBA champions have a record of 4-5 as they manage without last year’s Finals MVP. Luckily, her return is expected soon.