New York Liberty – Championship dream shattered by injury crisis as Jonquel Jones breaks down in Tears!
While the New York Liberty got off to an awesome start in this WNBA season, they have run into choppy waters recently. They now face a challenge to get back on track without center Jonquel Jones.
Jones sprained her right ankle in New York’s 98-91 loss to Phoenix on Thursday, June 19. It happened to be the same ankle she sprained earlier this month. This latest injury will put Jones on the sidelines for between 4-6 weeks.
“After further imaging and evaluation, Jonquel avoided long-term injury, and she is projected to return to game action in approximately four-to-six weeks,” the Liberty said in a statement, according to The Associated Press.
As if the Liberty needed more bad news, they have lost three of their last four games. The Seattle Storm beat New York 89-79 on Sunday. For this game, not only was Jones out but Sabrina Ionescu was unavailable due to a neck injury. Leonie Fiebich is still gone for EuroBasket play overseas.
Breanna Stewart led New York with 18 points Storm loss
Breanna Stewart scored 18 points to lead the Liberty in scoring against Seattle. New York is currently on a road trip and will face the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday night. Nneka Ogwumike scored 26 points to lead the Storm in scoring.
Between the recent losses and a lack of depth on her bench, Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello has some things to sort out. New York is now 10-3 this season and are the defending WNBA champions. Brondello knows that WNBA teams are aiming to knock off New York every time her team hits the court.
Liberty fans have come to expect great play from their team. New York still has a solid record this season, but are there things that need improvement? It’s those areas where Brondello will focus her attention, hopefully getting New York back on the winning track.
