New York Liberty Get Good News Before Game Against Caitlin Clark-Less Fever

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 9:09 PM ET

It’s going to be a busy Tuesday evening for the WNBA as the league kicks off the second half of the season following the All-Star break. The defending champions, the New York Liberty, are back in action against the Indiana Fever, who will continue to be without Caitlin Clark.

The reigning Rookie of the Year suffered a groin injury in Indiana’s win against the Connecticut Sun on July 15, which forced her to sit out Wednesday’s blowout loss to the Liberty as well as the festivities of the All-Star Weekend. Indiana has also already ruled Clark out for Tuesday’s matchup against New York with no firm timetable in sight.

The Liberty, on the other hand, have gotten a massive boost ahead of their home game against a shorthanded Fever side. This comes in the form of the much-anticipated return of Jonquel Jones to the lineup after missing nine consecutive contests due to an ankle injury.

Jones was not included in New York’s injury report for Tuesday’s clash, which means that the reigning Finals MVP will be able to suit up against the Fever.

This is a significant development for New York, which has been missing the services of one of its best players on the roster. The 15-6 Liberty have gone 5-4 in the last nine games without Jones, and they will now be looking to start the second half of the season with a big win against the Fever.

In nine appearances this season, Jones, a five-time All-Star, has put up averages of 12.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 blocks in 22.9 minutes per contest. There’s no denying that the 6-foot-6 center will play a pivotal role for the Liberty in their quest to defend their title this season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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