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Jonquel Jones was in street clothes in the New York Liberty’s 94-88 loss to the LA Sparks on Wednesday. The Liberty held out the former MVP due to a non-Covid-related illness. Forward Kennedy Burke took over Jones’ spot in the starting rotation.
New York’s injury report for Friday’s game against the Seattle Storm lists Jones as questionable. The Liberty training staff will continue monitoring her before probably making a game-time decision. Burke will likely stay as the starter until Jones is given the go-signal to play.
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What happened to Jonquel Jones?
Jonquel Jones did not miss a game last season for the New York Liberty. She looked like she was replicating that feat in 2024 before a non-Covid-related illness forced her out on Wednesday.
When will Jonquel Jones return?
If Jonquel Jones isn't cleared to play on Friday, she should be ready to see action on Sept. 5 in the rematch with the Storm. The almost week-long break should be enough time for her to recover from the non-Covid-related illness.
Jones has been quite durable for most of her entire career. The illness should just be a temporary setback before she returns to action.
Jonquel Jones will have a crucial role to play for the New York Liberty
The loss to the LA Sparks dropped the New York Liberty’s record to 26-6, 2.5 games ahead of the surging Minnesota Lynx. With eight games remaining for the Lynx and the Liberty, the battle for the No. 1 seed is far from over. Jones has a crucial role to play in the Liberty's goal of getting the best record in the WNBA.
Jones has been somewhat overlooked this year because of the excellence of Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu. But head coach Sandy Brondello knows just how important the 6-foot-6 forward has been to the Liberty. New York arguably has the best frontline in the WNBA when “Stewie” and Jones are available.
The 2023 Commissioner’s Cup MVP is averaging 14.9 points and a team-high 9.3 rebounds. Jones’ 3.4 assists seem to underrate her passing game and she and Stewart are two of the best in playing as the fulcrum of New York’s offense.
The Liberty badly need her to return as they aim to end the regular season with the best win-loss slate in the league. Jones' impact on both ends of the floor has been invaluable. Once healthy, she helps make New York a big favorite to at least return to the WNBA Finals.
