New York Liberty head coach Sandy Blondeillo shared an update on Johnkell Jones, revealing that the center is sidelined due to an ankle injury. This information was initially reported by Athlon Sports. The Liberty are set to face the Seattle Storm on Sunday at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Blondeillo told New York Post women’s sports reporter Madeline Kenney that Jones is not expected to return before the WNBA All-Star break from July 18 to 22. “If we can get her back after the All-Star break, that’s still a win since she was initially expected to be out until August,” Blondeillo said.
Jones’ absence has significantly impacted the Liberty’s offense as she will miss the next four games leading up to the All-Star Game. She had been averaging 12.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks over nine games. According to an ESPN report on June 19, Jones suffered a sprained ankle when she landed on Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb’s foot during a second-quarter layup attempt. She appeared visibly pained and had to be helped off the court. Since her injury, the Liberty have won two of their last four games.
Upcoming games for the Liberty include matchups against the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday, the Atlanta Dream on July 13, and the Indiana Fever on July 16.
Fan Take: Johnkell Jones’ injury and recovery timeline will be crucial for Liberty fans hoping to see their team maintain competitiveness leading into the All-Star break. This situation highlights how pivotal player health is in shaping team dynamics and the overall competitiveness of the WNBA.
