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“Just Tried to Stay Disciplined”: Natasha Cloud Details Clutch Stop on Caitlin Clark as Liberty Edge Fever 2 May 24, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) shoots the ball while New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud (9) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

'Talked Myself Out of It': Jonquel Jones Details Fourth-Quarter Domination for Liberty vs. Fever

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Grant Afseth | Last updated May 25, 2025 12:17 PM ET

For much of the third quarter, the defending champion New York Liberty looked out of sync — beaten to loose balls, overwhelmed in transition, and caught reacting to an Indiana Fever team riding momentum and crowd energy. Then, Jonquel Jones took control.

The 2024 WNBA Finals MVP poured in 14 of her 26 points in the fourth quarter, powering the Liberty to a 90-88 comeback win over the Fever on Saturday. Jones also grabbed 12 rebounds and drilled back-to-back three-pointers early in the final frame, erasing a 12-point Fever lead and reestablishing the poise New York lacked just minutes earlier.

“I kind of just talked myself out of it,” Jones said. “There’s no room for that. It’s just going out there and playing, trusting my teammates, and trusting that we’re going to make the right plays for each other because that’s what makes us successful as a team.”

Her threes — both assisted by Sabrina Ionescu — flipped the momentum and the scoreboard. A six-point swing in 42 seconds turned a four-point deficit into the Liberty’s first lead of the fourth quarter. The playmaking tandem between Jones and Ionescu helped stabilize a road game slipping away quickly.

“We know what she’s capable of doing,” Ionescu said. “To be able to kind of be a part of her own run was really fun. I was just looking for her every time I could. Believed in her shot and knew she was going to get some great looks… We needed her to go out and be aggressive in order for us to get back into the game.”

New York Liberty Championship Mentality Returns Late

New York was outscored 30-13 in the third quarter and trailed by 12 with under nine minutes to play. Caitlin Clark, who had struggled from deep, closed the third with a four-point play and a 34-foot buzzer-beater that sent Gainbridge Fieldhouse into a frenzy.

But as they did so often last postseason, the Liberty regrouped, locked in, and executed.

“It was a physical game,” Ionescu said. “You have to expect that, especially on the road. We made the plays we needed to down the stretch.”

Jones’ fourth-quarter presence — on the glass, in pick-and-pop actions, and defensively — opened the floor for the rest of New York’s core. Stewart added 16 points, Cloud scored 16 and made the decisive defensive play by stripping Clark on Indiana’s final possession, and Ionescu delivered the game-winning free throws with 2.9 seconds left.

Head coach Sandy Brondello credited the group’s resilience in a playoff-style environment.

“That’s a really good team over there,” Brondello said. “I’m proud of how we responded, especially after they made their run. We stayed focused, executed our sets, and made some big defensive plays at the end.”

Extended Minutes, Extra Burden for Jonquel Jones

“We Just Tried to Stay Together”: Sabrina Ionescu Reveals How Liberty Made Shocking Comeback vs. Fever 3 May 24, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) shoots the ball while Indiana Fever forward Natasha Howard (6) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Jones’ surge came with added responsibility. With Leonie Fiebich sidelined early due to a shin injury and Nyara Sabally scratched pregame with right knee discomfort, Jones was needed even more.

“JJ had to go a few more minutes tonight,” Brondello said. “And they all had to go a few more minutes. That’s how important this win is with this team. They want to win a championship — so do we.”

Jones admitted she lost rhythm midgame but credited her teammates and coaching staff for keeping her engaged.

“It was just about being in the moment,” Jones said. “Playing free, playing connected. That’s when we’re at our best.”

What’s Next for New York Liberty and Indiana Fever?

“Talked Myself Out of It New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) rebounds the ball Saturday, May 24, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

New York improves to 3-0 and returns home for two games against the expansion Golden State Valkyries this week. The Fever fall to 2-2 after another narrow loss and will travel to face the Washington Mystics on Wednesday.

Saturday’s game was a test of execution and emotional control, and when the moment demanded clarity, Jonquel Jones delivered.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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