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New York Liberty Suffer Major Loss on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 10:19 PM ET

The New York Liberty got off to a great start in their game against the Washington Mystics on Thursday night. This is after Breanna Stewart climbed to the No. 8 spot in the franchise's all-time scoring leaderboard, followed by Sabrina Ionescu becoming the franchise's all-time leader for most three-pointers made.

Stewart and Ionescu's milestones, however, were overshadowed by some unfortunate news after their third star, Jonquel Jones, was forced to leave the game in the first quarter.

Jones landed awkwardly after a shot attempt, and the former MVP quickly grabbed her right ankle as she lay on the floor. The 6-foot-6 center then had to be helped to get to the locker room, where she had herself checked by the team's medical staff.

Jonquel Jones having to be help of the court with her right ankle in pain, rolled it on Kiki Iriafen. #WNBA
@TWDTV1 pic.twitter.com/27CBCyFHyE
— Andrew Jerell Jones, Luke 1:37 (BlueSky too now) (@sluggahjells) June 5, 2025

Jones looked like she was in considerable pain, which is why it was not a huge surprise when it was announced that the five-time All-Star would not be able to return to the game.

Jones ended her night with three points, four rebounds and an assist in less than six minutes of action.

As of writing, the Liberty have not provided an official update on the extent of Jones' injury. However, the fact that she was quickly ruled out from returning to Thursday's game does not exactly bode well for her status moving forward.

Jones, who entered the Mystics game averaging 15.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.5 blocks and 2.0 triples per contest, should get tests done on her ankle, which will determine the nature of the injury.

At this point, New York fans have no choice but to hope that this is not a major injury for their 31-year-old star.

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

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