The Tribune

By JONATHAN BURROWS

Tribune Sports Reporter

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

JONQUEL Jones and the New York Liberty continued their winning ways, grinding out a 75-68 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday night at Barclays Center despite an off shooting night from the Bahamian star.

Jones finished with nine points, nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal in 31 minutes as the Liberty improved to 5-4 on the season and completed a two-game sweep of the Mercury. Jones was one rebound and one point shy of recording her third double-double of the season. 

While Jones struggled from the field, shooting 2-for-9 overall and 1-for-4 from three-point range, she made her presence felt on the glass and defensively as New York overcame a late challenge from Phoenix.

The Liberty relied on a balanced offensive attack with Pauline Astier leading the way with 16 points, six rebounds and six assists. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton added 13 points off the bench while Han Xu contributed nine points and six rebounds.

Phoenix was led by Kahleah Copper’s 16 points while Alyssa Thomas added 15 points, eight assists and three steals. Monique Akoa Makani chipped in 13 points and Natasha Mack grabbed nine rebounds.

The Mercury controlled much of the opening half and carried a 31-28 advantage into the break after limiting New York’s offensive rhythm.

The Liberty responded in the third quarter, outscoring Phoenix 25-23 to erase the deficit before taking control in the fourth.

New York entered the final period tied at 53-53 and used a 22-15 fourth-quarter advantage to secure the victory. The Liberty defence came up with several key stops down the stretch while Jones anchored the interior against a Mercury team that struggled to generate second-chance opportunities.

Phoenix shot just 34 per cent from the field and 25 per cent from beyond the arc. New York was not much better offensively, shooting 43 per cent overall, but the Liberty’s depth and rebounding edge proved decisive.

Jones helped New York dominate the boards, finishing with nine rebounds as part of a team effort that saw the Liberty hold a 40-23 advantage on the glass. New York also collected 33 defensive rebounds compared to Phoenix’s 20.

Despite her shooting struggles, Jones delivered several key defensive sequences, recording two blocks and helping limit Phoenix to just 14 points in the final quarter.

The win marked New York’s second victory over Phoenix in four days. The Liberty defeated the Mercury 84-74 on May 27 before following up with Sunday’s seven-point win.

Jones, 32, has remained one of the league’s premier rebounders and defenders while providing veteran leadership for a Liberty squad looking to defend its championship. New York will return to action on June 3 when it hosts Toronto in a WNBA Commissioner’s Cup matchup.

Jones enters the Cup averaging 12.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.0 block per game while shooting 39.3 per cent from the field and 31.4 per cent from three-point range.