The New York Liberty pulled off something that had never been done in WNBA history Tuesday night, becoming the first eighth seed to knock off a one seed following their 87-71 win over Minnesota. This game served up a nightmare reminder for all Lynx fans of the way the 2024 WNBA Finals went, with Jonquel Jones once again being the primary reason they were sent home. Jones finished the game with 21 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block while shooting 9-of-14 from the field and 1-of-3 from three-point land.
In 2024, Jones won WNBA Finals MVP, averaging 17.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.0 stocks (steals + blocks) per game.
A common trend in the 2024 WNBA Finals was Jones's ability to overpower and leave Minnesota outmatched on the glass, and Tuesday night felt like a repeat. From the opening tip, Jones brought a different intensity and energy to the glass crash and banging, fighting for second chances and being super physical down low. This resulted in six of her 13 total rebounds coming on the offensive glass.
Jones set the tone for the Liberty and, once again, was the undertaker for the Lynx in what felt like a perfect year for them to finally capture a title in the Napheesa Collier era.
The Liberty need to be respected as real title contenders
No matter the level or gender, when basketball reaches the postseason, the game changes. It becomes more physical, tougher, and the pace slows down. We saw Jones struggle in the Liberty's last playoff run, but tonight’s performance seemed like it could be a turning point for her. It was like she magically remembered that her high motor and physical style of play fit playoff basketball like a glove and could help her dominate these games.
Jones often gets forgotten when people talk about the Liberty because of Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, but it was only five years ago that she was a league MVP with Connecticut. If she can continue to have these games where she turns back the clock a little bit and takes advantage of opposing defenses focusing on Stewie and Ionescu, the Liberty can repeat what they did in 2024.
Sure, the league isn’t the same as it was back in 2024. The Liberty’s roster isn’t the same. Sandy Brondello is coaching in Toronto instead of New York, and the WNBA now has 15 teams. But what hasn’t changed is Jonquel Jones being able to steal the show in closeout games against Minnesota and the Liberty’s big three still being elite.
With those two things on their side, it’s hard to count them out as a real threat to make the 2026 WNBA Finals.
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