Jonquel Jones exited the court early in the first quarter due to an ankle injury during Tuesday’s closely contested game between the New York Liberty and the Chicago Sky. The absence of the six-time All-Star proved significant as Chicago eventually pulled away to secure a 93-86 victory.
The injury occurred when the game was deadlocked at 16 points. While backing into the post, Jones stumbled over DiJonai Carrington, whose knee made contact with Jones’s lower left leg, causing the Liberty center to limp off the court and not return for the remainder of the game. New York’s front office announced that Jones will undergo further evaluation in the coming days to assess the extent of the injury.
Jones’s Injury Alters Game Dynamics
Without their star center, the Liberty struggled to maintain momentum, allowing the Sky to capitalize. Former Liberty player Natasha Cloud stepped up for Chicago, delivering a standout performance with a career-high 35 points, alongside 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Meanwhile, backup center Han Xu took on increased responsibility, playing 26 minutes—nearly double her season average of 13.7 minutes per game.
Prior to her injury, Jones had been a consistent force for New York, averaging 14.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. Her shooting efficiency was notable, boasting a 49.4% field goal percentage and 38.8% from beyond the arc.
The Liberty’s defeat dropped their season record to 22-15, positioning them sixth in the WNBA standings. Despite holding a six-game cushion over the ninth-place Portland team, the fight for playoff seeding between second and eighth place remains fiercely competitive.