Liberty’s perfect record remains, despite struggling without Jonquel Jones

Jonquel Jones against the Golden State Valkyries on Tuesday May 27, 2025 - Photo provided by New York Liberty

The New York Liberty started their season, 5-0 with another win over the Golden State Valkyries, but they did so without their finals MVP center Jonquel Jones. Her absence was felt in a game that had 20 lead changes and 16 ties. 

Both teams bring size to the lineup. But, without Jones’ added height, Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün was left uncheck – allowing her to put up  her first double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

“She's big,” Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello said. “She's got that high release. She could get the shot off.”

On Tuesday, Jones led  the Liberty to a 28 point win over the Valkyries, as she put up 13 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. 

Without her, the Liberty was out rebounded, but Brondello notes that missing Jones shouldn't be an excuse. 

“It wasn't a very good game all around, but credit to Golden State,” Brondello said. “Losing JJ is not good for us. But you know, we've got to be tougher than that.” 

Without her presence, it was hard for the Liberty to take a huge lead or generate any real rhythm. Usually when the Liberty are down, it’s Jones who takes the game over. Without her, they seemed lost at moments. 

“We're missing our two really big bodies that can really help us. And, you know, just their gravity, just their role presence. Like we didn't get into the paint at all. We couldn't get by many people, and we didn't have a post player that could roll now,” Brondello said.

Nonetheless, the game still ended in a win and proved that players besides super stars can step up. Forward Kennedy Burke took Jones' spot and finished with 11 points and seven rebounds. Additionally, guard Rebekah Gardner didn’t do much with only three points, but her three in the third shifted the momentum for the Liberty. 

So what’s been the difference for Burke? Mentality. 

“Just changing my mindset, knowing that I'm a shooter because I've been practicing my whole life for it, you know?,” Burke said.

One thing the Liberty are always talking about is playoffs. It doesn’t matter how early in the season they are, that’s where their mind was at after playing through this close game. 

“I think it's good to get that practice, isn't it? I think that's the best thing,” Brondello said. “That's because when you get to the playoffs, most of those games are really close, so it's good for us to practice and learn. Myself included.”

Even without key pieces, the Liberty continue to find a way to win, a good sign for a team with hopes for a repeat championship. However, they’ll be tested more against a gritty Washington Mystics on Friday.