“She’s a stretch four. She can play inside. She can play outside. She’s great in the pick and roll. She’s a facilitator,” is how New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello described one of the best players on her roster. Praising the veteran for her all-around abilities, Brondello points out her versatility and swiftness in transitioning from one role to the other. And as the team stepped into another year of the regular W games, this six-foot-six player ensured the roster maintains the number one rankings throughout. Yes, she is none other than Jonquel Jones, whose leadership qualities and dynamic contribution couldn’t escape the HC and her opponents.
The 2024 WNBA Champions have been riding the victory wave ever since the season opener on May 17, 2025. With a total of 94 points in the regular season, the team boasts of 4-0 record so far. And while they have been devouring any team that faces them so far, be it Indiana Fever or Chicago Sky, aspirational head coach Natalie Nakase’s team was the latest in line to bear the brunt of the undefeated champions with a massive 95-67 loss, thanks to players like Jonquel Jones, whose rebounds asserted the center athlete as dominating force on the hardwood.
And it is no surprise that Fever just couldn’t defend Jones, who destroyed them with her size and physicality. In fact, White called for a timeout after Jones’ first wide-open 3-point score. But the player made yet another 3-pointer right out of the timeout, which put Liberty in the lead and ended with a 90-88 win against the Fever.
With an average of 16 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in the 2025 regular season so far, the prominent player successfully dished 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists against their first match against the Valkyries on May 28, 2025, and set the stage for yet another win in their belt. No wonder fans are eager to watch Jones as Liberty hosts the Valkyries in a second consecutive match at the Barclays Centre, Brooklyn, on Thursday.
Injury Report: New York Liberty vs Golden State Valkyries
Unfortunately, Jones suffered a hamstring pull recently and might miss out from New York Liberty’s upcoming match against Golden State Valkyries. While the team has not disclosed further information regarding Jones’ condition, an internet revelation was enough to send fans into a frenzy. Official Underdog WNBA took to X (former Twitter) to announce her playing status in today’s match. They captioned the post with, “Jonquel Jones (knee) now questionable Thursday.”
Jonquel Jones (knee) now questionable Thursday.
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) May 29, 2025
The veteran delivered a fantastic performance against Indiana Fever on May 24, 2025, where she averaged a whopping 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists and created ample possession and scoring opportunities. Her remarkable performance was instrumental in the 90-88 against Fever. So, when the fans learned about her ambiguous status speculating that she might rest up, they were quick to suggest that Jones make an appearance in the match against the Valkyries before taking a much-needed break.
Oct 20, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith (8) reacts after colliding with New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones (35) during game five of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Meanwhile, Liberty center athlete Nyara Sabally‘s health is also questionable and she is placed under day-to-day or GTD status as of now. Though expected to return on May 29, ESPN states, “Sabally (knee) has been listed as questionable for Thursday’s game against the Valkyries, Myles Ehrlich of Winsidr.com reports.” But this is not something new for the German player. Known for her instant comeback from injuries, the Liberty roaster is hopeful of her quick return.
In case Sabally and Jones happen to sit out the match against the Valkyries, veteran Kayla Thornton, who averaged 12.8 points per game against the Valkyries, can be expected to step up and spend more time in the paint, coupled with rookie Leonie Fiebich to add versatility and agility to the roster.
On the other hand, the Valkyries roster does not look too promising either as three prominent players, including Monique Billings, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Tiffany Hayes, are expected to remain absent on the hardwood ahead of the tip-off against the Liberty. “Zandalasini (foot) has been ruled out for Tuesday’s game against the Liberty, Nathan Canilao of the Bay Area News Group reports. While ESPN announced Zandalasini’s playing status as ‘Out’ owing to a foot injury, Billings and Hayes are on a day-to-day or GTD status and can return to the roster anytime soon.
As the undefeated champions gear up for their second showdown against the Valkyries tonight, the absence of Jones’ playmaking skills and scoring efficiency will be felt in the paint, forcing other veterans like Natasha Cloud, Sabrina Ionescu, and Marine Johannes to upscale their game and create more defensive strategies on the court. But the Valkyries, hungry for revenge after their debut loss against Liberty, will not stay silent either. “We did it day one in camp. Killers. That’s our identity,” head coach Natalie Nakase said earlier, underscoring their defensive mindset. The Valkyries are ready to pounce and give Liberty a taste of their own medicine. Or is it too soon?
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