Heading into the game, some doubted the likelihood of the New York Liberty being able to bounce back from a devastating 0-2 start to the Las Vegas Aces. The Liberty was met with another sold-out crowd (17,143 fans in attendance) and electrifying energy to help restore faith in this series. Undoubtedly, the Liberty used the fans as momentum boosters and helped them elevate their intensity and overall gameplay as the game progressed.
“We knew that our fans were going to be behind us and New York was going to be watching and supporting," Liberty center and former MVP Jonquel Jones said, "and that's what we wanted to do, go out there and play with a lot of pride and a lot of heart."
Clearly, the Liberty came out with what some consider desperation and an overall different focus to Sunday’s evening game. Former MVP Jonquel Jones led the charge by recording 27 points, eight rebounds and three blocks to help change the narrative throughout the series. The Liberty defeated the Aces, 87-73, leaving them trailing the series 2-1.
"We had a fight. We got back to our identity," New York head coach Sandy Brondello said. "We're a way better team than what we've showed the last two games. I'm just proud of the effort and the commitment and the connection that we had, but now we've got to do it again."
Jonquel Jones Leading the Liberty to Victory
Throughout the series, Jones has been one of the few bright spots for the New York Liberty. In fact, she’s been the most consistent of all the stars on the Liberty team. Due to the size and length of Jones, she often causes matchup issues for opposing teams. Although the Aces have one of the best all-around players in the WNBA, A'ja Wilson, Jones still draws issues for her in certain scenarios. She took this game personally and it was clear from the start of the game. Jones knocked down two first-half threes and coupled her offensive contribution with two blocks of her own as well in the first half.
“I just came in energized,” Jones said, “energized that we had a new opportunity. Just playing with a lot of passion and just not wanting to let the moment pass us by and have that ‘what if?’ type of feeling.”
Clearly, she helped set the tone and put some belief back into this struggling Liberty team in this series. With that being said, they’re ready to go back at it again on Wednesday night at the Barclays Center to avoid elimination. The Liberty will be forced to defend their home court and send it back to Las Vegas if they wish to win the WNBA championship. Moving forward, the Aces are without their star point guard Chelsea Gray leaving an opportunity for the Liberty to capitalize. Jones is looking to continue to have an impressive championship run.
"She's a superstar, this girl," Brondello added. "She's carried us. In the games that we lost, she was the only one who was being consistent."
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