The New York Liberty's star-studded roster makes it easy for someone like Jonquel Jones to fly under the radar -- a shocking thing to say for a former league MVP who, less than a year ago, was named MVP of the WNBA Finals.
But a recent injury to Jones made it clear how integral the versatile center is to the Liberty's success. As the Bahamian star sat sidelined for a month with an ankle injury, New York mustered only a 5-4 record, and its elite defense allowed 90-plus points three times in that stretch.
MORE: Breanna Stewart fires off WNBA warning as Liberty move for Emma Meesseman
Jones though made her triumphant return to the lineup on Tuesday, when she scored 18 points and sank three 3-pointers as the Liberty rolled to a 98-84 home win over the Caitlin Clark-less Indiana Fever.
“It was very intentional just to make her feel present and get her going early,” Liberty point guard Natasha Cloud told reporters postgame. “But that’s going to consistently be it. It was that way to start the season. We had to adjust and pivot without her. But that is always when you have an MVP caliber player, you throw the ball into her.”
The Liberty improved to 16-6 -- and with the impending addition of Belgian forward Emma Meesseman, New York is "getting right" in time for a renewed championship push. And according to Liberty forward Leonie Fiebich, Jones is the key to a commanding, "bossy" New York team that is readying its title defense.
“(Jones is) a great player,” she said. “I love to be on the floor with her. Everybody on this team loves it. I’m just so happy for her to be back and be healthy and for us to be bossy on the court again.”
MORE WNBA NEWS:
WNBA star slams league over All-Star format: 'Is it real life?'
Wings' Paige Bueckers finds a new way to impress amid upset win over Storm
Fever's Sophie Cunningham fined by WNBA for subtly savage TikTok refs video
WNBA sets All-Star record even without Fever's Caitlin Clark
Chicago Sky pair Angel Reese with former WNBA champion in surprise move