Former MVP makes WNBA history in Liberty's win over Wings

Thursday's double-double was Jones' third in a row and fourth in seven games. Over that stretch, she's averaging 13.5 points and 10.8 boards a contest. 

The 2021 MVP, Jones, struggled a bit in 2023 with the Liberty, averaging 11.3 points per game, the lowest since her rookie year. However, the eight-year veteran is having a bounce-back campaign, posting nearly a double-double a game through 29 contests (15.1 points, 9.4 rebounds). 

Jones was one of four Liberty players to finish in double figures in Thursday's victory. Breanna Stewart led the way with 17 points (seven rebounds, six assists), while Leonie Fiebich (seven rebounds, three assists) and Kayla Thornton (five rebounds, two assists) each scored 16 points apiece. 

New York has won eight straight games, increasing its lead atop the WNBA standings with the rest of the league dormant on Thursday. The Connecticut Sun (20-7) and Minnesota Lynx (20-8) remain within striking distance, trailing the Liberty by four and four-and-a-half games, respectively. 

Earning the No. 1 spot won't only clinch a matchup against the eighth and final seed for the Liberty to start the postseason. History shows that it usually leads to good things, as all but 10 teams that have finished with the league's best record have gone on to win the championship since the WNBA's inaugural season in 1997.