🏀 Jonquel Jones Suffers Ankle Injury Again in Liberty’s Defeat to Mercury
New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones was forced to exit Thursday night’s game against the Phoenix Mercury after reinjuring her right ankle, the same one that kept her sidelined earlier this month. The Liberty eventually fell 89-81 in a crucial matchup, and Jones did not return after going down in the second quarter.
The injury occurred with 8:35 left in the first half, when Jones landed on Sami Whitcomb’s foot after a layup attempt. She was in clear discomfort and had to be helped off the court, clutching her leg.
🩺 No Official Update Yet on Jonquel Jones’ Ankle
Although Jones appeared to be holding her right knee, the Liberty later confirmed it was the same right ankle that had previously been injured on June 5 against the Washington Mystics. At that time, she missed two games before returning with a double-double performance earlier this week.
“We don’t have any further update right now,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said post-game.
The Liberty are expected to re-evaluate her condition ahead of their next game. Jones’ health will be critical if New York hopes to repeat as WNBA champions in 2025.
🏆 Jonquel Jones’ Importance to the Liberty
At 31 years old, Jonquel Jones is still one of the most dominant frontcourt players in the WNBA. The 2021 WNBA MVP and 2024 Finals MVP has been crucial to the Liberty’s interior presence.
Current stats (2025 season):
- Points: 13.4 PPG
- Rebounds: 10.3 RPG (2nd in WNBA)
- Assists: 2.6 APG
Jones provides elite rebounding, floor spacing, and defensive prowess that the Liberty rely on—especially in clutch situations.
🔁 A’ja Wilson Injury Watch: WNBA MVP Also Listed Questionable
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Aces are dealing with their own injury dilemma. A’ja Wilson, the reigning WNBA MVP, remains questionable for Friday’s game against the Seattle Storm after entering the concussion protocol earlier this month.
Wilson has been out since June 11, when she was struck in the head during a game against the Los Angeles Sparks. The Aces are 1-2 without her.
Wilson’s 2025 Stats:
- Points: 20.9 PPG
- Rebounds: 9.6 RPG
- Assists: 4.0 APG
- Blocks: 2.6 BPG
In her absence, teammates Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Jewell Loyd have taken on more offensive responsibility. Jonquel Jones injury update WNBA.
📊 WNBA Injury Impact: What It Means for the Title Race
With both Jonquel Jones and A’ja Wilson potentially sidelined, two of the WNBA’s top contenders could see major shifts in momentum. The Liberty, reigning champions, depend on Jones to anchor the paint, while the Aces rely heavily on Wilson for scoring and rim protection.
If both players miss extended time:
- Expect increased minutes for Breanna Stewart and Kayla Thornton in New York
- The Aces may need Gray and Young to maintain 20+ point games to stay afloat
- Playoff seedings could shift if either team goes into a slump
📺 What’s Next for the Liberty and Aces?
🗓️ Upcoming Schedule
New York Liberty
- Next Game: TBD (monitor injury report for Jones update)
- Season Record: [Insert latest]
Las Vegas Aces
- vs. Seattle Storm (Friday, June 21)
- Wilson: Questionable (concussion protocol)
📝 Final Thoughts
With Jonquel Jones reinjuring her right ankle and A’ja Wilson still in concussion protocol, the 2025 WNBA season could be at a turning point. Fans and teams alike will be keeping a close eye on both MVPs as their health may very well determine the course of this year’s championship race.
❓ FAQs: Jonquel Jones Injury Update & WNBA News
Q1: What happened to Jonquel Jones in the game against the Mercury?
A: Jonquel Jones reinjured her right ankle in the second quarter after landing on Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb’s foot. She was helped off the court and did not return.
Q2: Is Jonquel Jones out for the rest of the 2025 WNBA season?
A: As of now, there is no official update on the severity of her ankle injury. The Liberty are expected to re-evaluate her condition before their next game.
Q3: When did Jonquel Jones first injure her ankle?
A: Jones initially injured her right ankle during a June 5 game against the Washington Mystics and missed two games before returning on June 18.
Q4: How important is Jonquel Jones to the New York Liberty?
A: Jones is a vital part of the Liberty lineup. The 2021 WNBA MVP and 2024 Finals MVP averages 13.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in 2025.
Q5: What is Jonquel Jones’ current status?
A: She is officially listed as day-to-day with a right ankle injury, pending further medical evaluation.
Q6: What happened to A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces?
A: A’ja Wilson is in the concussion protocol after taking a hit to the head on June 11. She’s listed as questionable for the Aces’ next game against the Seattle Storm.
Q7: How have the Liberty and Aces performed without their MVPs?
A: The Liberty lost to the Mercury after Jones exited. The Aces went 1-2 in the three games Wilson missed. Both teams have struggled without their key players.
Q8: Who is stepping up in A’ja Wilson’s absence?
A: Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Jewell Loyd have taken on increased offensive responsibilities for the Las Vegas Aces while Wilson recovers.
