Jonquel Jones shines in the WNBA Finals, earning MVP honors and stepping up when Ionescu and Stewart struggle to find their rhythm
Sabrina Ionescu's initial attempt struck the side of the backboard, followed shortly by another shot that failed to find the target entirely.
After executing one of the most iconic shots in WNBA history to secure victory in Game 3, the All-Star guard struggled significantly for the remainder of the game, earning the moniker Ice-cold Ionescu.
On Sunday, Ionescu recorded a dismal shooting performance, going 1 for 19 from the field, while Breanna Stewart's performance was only marginally better. However, the New York Liberty benefited from an outstanding display by Jonquel Jones, who stepped up to support her two star teammates.
Jones concluded the game with 17 points and six rebounds, playing a pivotal role in the Liberty's 67-62 overtime triumph over the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday night, which earned her the WNBA Finals MVP award.
“Her dominance in the paint, her rebounding, and her help-side defense provided everything we needed,” Stewart remarked. “She had to endure a long wait to reach this stage and claim a championship, but the wait proved to be worthwhile.”
Ionescu ended the game with five points, complemented by eight assists and seven rebounds. Stewart managed to score 13 points and secured 15 rebounds, shooting 4 for 15.
“Ultimately, I did whatever was necessary to secure the win,” Ionescu stated during the trophy presentation. “I had faith in my teammates and in this entire organization. It requires a collective effort; this achievement is not solitary, and we accomplished it in New York.”
The Liberty aimed to create their own version of a championship-caliber super-team by acquiring Stewart from Seattle, a two-time WNBA Finals MVP, and Jones from Connecticut, who had experienced defeat in the 2019 finals. They intended for these players to complement Ionescu, the top pick in the 2020 draft.
Last year, they successfully led the Liberty to the WNBA Finals and achieved the best record in the league this season. However, it seemed they might fall short of securing a title as Ionescu and Stewart struggled with their shooting.
Ionescu began the game by missing her first 13 attempts, extending her streak to 15 consecutive misses dating back to Game 4. She finally scored with a 3-pointer at 3:10 remaining, giving the Liberty a 56-52 advantage.
However, after Minnesota took a 60-58 lead, it appeared that the difficulties faced by the superstars would ultimately cost the Liberty the game. Stewart missed two crucial free throws with 38 seconds left, but the Liberty managed to secure the rebound. Unfortunately, Ionescu missed a 3-pointer, and after regaining possession, she missed another attempt.
The Liberty managed to force overtime when Stewart converted two free throws with just 5.2 seconds left in regulation. Reflecting on her earlier misses, she reminded herself, “No, I can’t do this again, I can’t. I have to be here.”
In overtime, New York secured the victory with baskets from Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally.
New York had hoped to avoid a Game 5 after Ionescu's long-range shot secured an 80-77 win in Game 3. However, she struggled in Game 4, shooting 5 for 16 and missing all five of her 3-point attempts, while Stewart managed only 11 points on 5 for 20 shooting.
In contrast, Jones proved to be the reliable player the Liberty needed, averaging 18 points and eight rebounds throughout the series, including 10 points in the first half on Sunday, which helped keep the Liberty competitive while Ionescu and Stewart combined for only five points.
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve stated, "The challenge lies in the considerable time dedicated to protecting Sabrina and Stewie during certain strategies that result in mismatches. However, we are prepared to accept some of these circumstances."
SportsLigue