UNCASVILLE, Conn. — The MVP chants rang loud through Mohegan Sun Arena from the large pockets of seafoam-clad New York Liberty fans spread in different sections. They were meant for Breanna Stewart, the first MVP in franchise history, as she kept stepping to the free-throw line in front of a harsh sea of Connecticut Sun orange.
New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones reacts during the second half of Game 4 of a WNBA basketball semifinal playoff series against the Connecticut Sun, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Uncasville, Conn. UNCASVILLE, Conn. — The MVP chants rang loud through Mohegan Sun Arena from the large pockets of seafoam-clad New York Liberty fans spread in different sections. They were meant for Breanna Stewart,It would be easy to believe they were for a former MVP on their roster.
It’s a massive stat line showcasing Jones’ importance to this team of five All-Stars. Stewart led all scorers with 27 points and nine rebounds. Betnijah Laney had 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists. All five starters, which included Sabrina Ionescu and Courtney Vandersloot, hit at least one 3 to finish 45.5% from beyond the arc.
The Liberty held a three-point lead thanks to her two free throws with 45 seconds left and the Sun inbounding the ball. Connecticut had stormed back from as many as 11 points down and created a thrilling final four minutes for the 8,196 in attendance and more watching on ABC. Jones prevented Connecticut’s chance to tie by tipping away the pass meant for Alyssa Thomas up top.
Her mini moments, such as the late steal, made the difference in a game the Liberty wanted to be rid of the always troublesome Sun and enjoy a week of rest from games before the Finals. The seventh-year veteran has been here in this exact spot before, leaving this arena with a championship in reach. The Sun made it to the semifinals for a fifth consecutive season. Thomas, the engine of their success, posted another postseason triple-double with 17 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists. Four other Sun players reached double-digit scoring, but as DiJonai Carrington noted postgame, it was two All-Stars on their team versus five on the Liberty. And five on the Aces.
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