Latest news with #BreannaStewart
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liberty's Jonquel Jones suffers injury scare vs. Mercury
The post Liberty's Jonquel Jones suffers injury scare vs. Mercury appeared first on ClutchPoints. The New York Liberty and their fans are hoping for the best after watching one of their most important players exit Thursday's game versus the Phoenix Mercury. Jonquel Jones went down with a lower-body injury, grabbing her knee in clear pain. She limped to the locker room and was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the contest with an ankle injury, per Sara Jane Gamelli. Advertisement Jones recently returned from a two-game absence, missing the Liberty's win over the Chicago Sky and their loss to the Indiana Fever (first of season) with an ankle sprain. This latest setback occurred on a drive attempt in the first half. Jones' awkward landing gave way to a subdued Barclays Center crowd. Considering that the veteran center claimed WNBA Finals MVP honors en route to the franchise's first-ever championship last year, it would likely be extremely challenging to outlast the rest of the competition without her. When the knee is involved, people naturally prepare for the worst-case scenario. Luckily, despite Jones' initial reaction, that does not appear to be a serious concern at the moment. The reigning champs will do their best to press on against the formidable and feisty Mercury (9-4) following this unfortunate development. They narrowly trail in the fourth quarter at time of print. Breanna Stewart is fully embodying the alpha role, erupting for 30-plus points in front of the home fans. Jonquel Jones finished with two points, four rebounds and one block in nine minutes of action. Ideally, New York will be able to provide more clarity regarding the two-way star's re-aggravated ankle injury after this contest concludes. Advertisement The Liberty (10-1) boast plenty of depth and firepower, but replacing Jones' production is not something the team wants to think about right now. Or ever. Related: Liberty's Breanna Stewart shatters WNBA record in performance vs. Mercury Related: How Nyara Sabally's EuroBasket decision is already paying off for the Liberty
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liberty's Breanna Stewart shatters WNBA record in performance vs. Mercury
The post Liberty's Breanna Stewart shatters WNBA record in performance vs. Mercury appeared first on ClutchPoints. Breanna Stewart made WNBA history during Thursday's matchup between the New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury. Advertisement In 37 minutes of action, Stewart finished with a stat line of 35 points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists. She shot 11-of-17 from the field, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line. Stewart made history in the process, per StatMuse. She broke a tie with Brittney Griner and A'ja Wilson for the most 30-point games on 60% shooting from the field in WNBA history. What's next for Breanna Stewart, Liberty John Jones-Imagn Images Despite Breanna Stewart's historic efforts, the Liberty were unable to get past the Mercury in an 89-81 loss. New York had a 65-64 lead going into the fourth quarter. However, Phoenix outscored them 25-16 in the last 10 minutes to stun the hosts and secure the road win. The Liberty lost Jonquel Jones due to injury, leaving the squad short by one starter as the Mercury took advantage. Advertisement New York struggled with Phoenix's physicality on the glass, losing the rebounding battle 42-32. The hosts also failed to protect the ball, committing 19 turnovers as they proved to be costly down the stretch. Only two players scored in double-digits on New York's behalf, including Stewart. Sabrina Ionescu had a rough shooting night against the Mercury's defense. She had 16 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals but shot 3-of-16 overall, including 1-of-10 from downtown. Natasha Clous came next with eight points and 10 assists, while Nyara Sabally provided seven points and seven rebounds. New York fell to 10-2 on the season, holding the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They are two games above the Atlanta Dream and 3.5 games above the Indiana Fever. The Mercury will look to bounce back in their next matchup, being on the road. They face the Seattle Storm on June 22 at 7 p.m. ET. Related: Liberty's Jonquel Jones suffers injury scare vs. Mercury Related: How Nyara Sabally's EuroBasket decision is already paying off for the Liberty
Associated Press
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Monique Akoa Makani scores 21 points and Mercury hand Liberty their 1st home loss, 89-81
NEW YORK (AP) — Rookie Monique Akoa Makani scored a season-high 21 points, Alyssa Thomas added 18 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists, and the Phoenix Mercury beat the New York Liberty 89-81 on Thursday night for their fourth straight win. Sami Whitcomb scored eight of her 16 points in the fourth quarter, Satou Sabally had 14 points and nine rebounds, and Kitija Laksa added 13 points for Phoenix (10-4). Breanna Stewart scored a season-high 35 points for the defending champion Liberty (10-2), who lost at home for the first time this season. Sabrina Ionescu added 16 points on 3-of-16 shooting, including 1 of 10 from 3-point range. Whitcomb's 3-pointer capped a 16-6 run that gave Phoenix an 84-74 lead with 3:10 to play. She went 4 of 9 from 3-point range and Laksa hit 3 of 6. The rest of the Mercury went 0 for 16 from behind the arc. New York's Jonquel Jones left early in the second quarter with a right ankle injury and did not return. The Mercury's Lexi Held departed midway through the third quarter after a collision with Stewart while diving for a loose ball near midcourt. Kahleah Copper (injury management) did not play for the Mercury, who beat Connecticut 83-75 on Wednesday. The 2021 WNBA Finals MVP with Chicago, Copper had surgery on her right knee in May and made her season debut against Las Vegas on Sunday. Up next The Liberty kick off a four-game trip Sunday at Seattle. Phoenix plays the last four consecutive away games Saturday at Chicago. ___ AP WNBA:
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Monique Akoa Makani scores 21 points and Mercury hand Liberty their 1st home loss, 89-81
NEW YORK (AP) — Rookie Monique Akoa Makani scored a season-high 21 points, Alyssa Thomas added 18 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists, and the Phoenix Mercury beat the New York Liberty 89-81 on Thursday night for their fourth straight win. Sami Whitcomb scored eight of her 16 points in the fourth quarter, Satou Sabally had 14 points and nine rebounds, and Kitija Laksa added 13 points for Phoenix (10-4). Advertisement Breanna Stewart scored a season-high 35 points for the defending champion Liberty (10-2), who lost at home for the first time this season. Sabrina Ionescu added 16 points on 3-of-16 shooting, including 1 of 10 from 3-point range. Whitcomb's 3-pointer capped a 16-6 run that gave Phoenix an 84-74 lead with 3:10 to play. She went 4 of 9 from 3-point range and Laksa hit 3 of 6. The rest of the Mercury went 0 for 16 from behind the arc. New York's Jonquel Jones left early in the second quarter with a right ankle injury and did not return. The Mercury's Lexi Held departed midway through the third quarter after a collision with Stewart while diving for a loose ball near midcourt. Kahleah Copper (injury management) did not play for the Mercury, who beat Connecticut 83-75 on Wednesday. The 2021 WNBA Finals MVP with Chicago, Copper had surgery on her right knee in May and made her season debut against Las Vegas on Sunday. Up next The Liberty kick off a four-game trip Sunday at Seattle. Phoenix plays the last four consecutive away games Saturday at Chicago. ___ AP WNBA:
New York Post
12 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Breanna Stewart's 35 points can't save Liberty in loss to Mercury after Jonquel Jones injury exit
We've got you covered on the Liberty beat Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA. tRY IT NOW Breanna Stewart's season-high 35-point night wasn't enough Thursday night as the Liberty fell 89-81 to the Mercury at Barclays Center. Stewart exploded for 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting, including a pair of 3s, in the third quarter. Advertisement But Stewart and the Liberty ran out of gas in the fourth and suffered their first home loss of the season. As much as the loss might sting, the Liberty are far more concerned about Jonquel Jones after she left the game after re-injuring her right ankle on a layup. Jones went to the locker room early in the second quarter and never returned to rejoin her teammates on the bench. Advertisement 3 Breanna Stewart drives to the basket during the Liberty's 89-81 loss to the Mercury on June 19 2025. Imagn Images The extent of injury wasn't immediately known. The Liberty trailed by three at halftime. But the Mercury — who were playing on the second night of a back-to-back — started to unravel after Monique Akoa-Makani was whistled for a tech for hitting the stanchion while celebrating an and-1. Advertisement 3 Jonquel Jones exited the Liberty's loss to the Mercuy after re-injuring her right ankle. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post Coach Nate Tibbetts was also handed a tech for arguing with an official. In an instance, the Mercury's four-point lead was cut in half. The Liberty went on an 11-1 run that included three straight baskets off Mercury turnovers that gave New York a six-point lead with 4:42 left in the third. Advertisement 3 Sabrina Ionescu looks to move the ball during the Liberty's June 19 loss. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post The Mercury regrouped and got within one of New York by the start of the fourth quarter. The Mercury and Liberty exchanged blows, and each team went on mini runs before the Mercury pulled away for good. With the Liberty down seven with 4:01 left, Sandy Brondello called a timeout to stop the bleeding. Covering the Liberty like never before Sign up for Madeline Kenney's Inside the Liberty, a weekly Sports+ newsletter. Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters But New York couldn't recover. After opening the season with nine straight wins, Thursday was the Liberty's second loss in six days. The Liberty (10-2) will pack their bags to hit the road for a 10-day road trip. Advertisement New York is set to play in Seattle on Sunday before heading to the Bay. The defending champions also have stops in Phoenix and Mercury on tap.
