Jonquel Jones was one of many Liberty players who dealt with injuries during the 2025 season. She only played 31 games due to an ankle injury.
Jones was available for the playoffs, but didn’t have her best outing. She only scored 17 points over three first-round games against the Mercury and averaged an uncharacteristic 26.9% shooting from the field.
On Monday, Jones revealed on her Instagram story that she underwent surgery on her right ankle. Jackie Powell reported on X that it was “a minor surgery to correct ankle instability.” Since Jones had to have surgery before going overseas to join Fenerbahçe, one can assume that her ankle also bothered her noticeably in the playoffs, which would explain her uncharacteristically poor outing.
Jonquel Jones wasn’t the only Liberty player who struggled in the playoffs
Just one year after winning a championship, the Liberty didn’t put together a strong playoff showing against the Mercury. Jones was one of several players who struggled. Breanna Stewart suffered an injury in Game 2 and scored only six points. Nevertheless, she played 35 minutes in Game 3 and tried her best to deliver the Liberty a win.
Sabrina Ionescu shot only 34% from the field and went 7-32 from three in the playoffs. Leonie Fiebich only made one shot over the last two games of the series. Emma Meesseman only scored 14 total points and never played more than 18 minutes.
So, Jones was far from the only Liberty player who struggled in the playoffs.
Jones is the key to the Liberty’s success
Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu are all set to enter unrestricted free agency. However, Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb said he was confident all three would be back for another season. If that is the case, the Liberty should be able to compete for another championship—If Jones plays at a high level.
Stewart and Ionescu provide the Liberty with the basis for a championship contender, but Jones is more often than not the true difference-maker for the team. If she plays well, New York is incredibly difficult to beat. It’s no coincidence that the Liberty won a championship when Jones efficiently scored at least 13 points in each finals game against the Minnesota Lynx and was named Finals MVP.
Jones’s ability to space the floor and score efficiently in the paint makes her a unique offensive player at the center position. When her versatility is on full display, the Liberty’s offense is at its best. When she struggles, the Liberty have few players who can step into her role and deliver the kind of production the team needs to win at the highest level.