NY Liberty Owe Extra Than Jonquel Jones’ $15,450 Effort for Ending Their 28-Yr WNBA Drought, Claims Veteran Journalist

When the New York Liberty clinched the primary Championship title, their star Jonquel Jones was awarded the Finals MVP. Whereas Breanna Stewart’s, Sabrina Ionescu’s, and Jones’ efforts have been nicely acknowledged by followers and their teammates, the opposite Liberty stars haven’t been lauded a lot. And a veteran journalist did simply that, placing them into the highlight.

On Sunday’s episode of Locked On Girls’s Basketball, Howard Megdal broke down the Liberty’s victory and what acquired them thus far. And followers had been excited that he selected to laud different stars.

“There’s lots to get to in that outstanding recreation, however once more I keep in mind you and me speaking and the factor I stated to you about Betnijah Laney-Hamilton again when she was simply Betnijah. Yeah was groups win championships with gamers like Betnijah Laney you don’t win championships with out them. It’s Betnijah Laney-Hamilton sure. That’s Kayla Thornton  who’s her birthday by the way in which. Oh what a birthday current for her seems you stated that to me this morning wouldn’t… wouldn’t that be an incredible birthday because it turned out for KT?,” Megdal acknowledged.

The Liberty earlier than this recreation had been the one unique crew that participated within the 1997 WNBA however hadn’t gained a title. That they had beforehand made it to the 5 WNBA Finale sequence however ended up empty-handed. Therefore, when Liberty gained their first Championship title, Megdal claimed that it was a crew effort and everybody must be applauded for it, as per the video.

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton was nothing in need of a game-changer for the New York Liberty all through the playoffs. Taking part in in all 11 video games and beginning each single one, she delivered clutch performances, scoring a necessary 7 factors per recreation. Her standout second got here in Recreation 2 of the Championship Finals, the place she dropped a crucial 20-point cameo, serving to head coach Sandy Brondello’s squad safe a win in opposition to the Minnesota Lynx. Alongside her, Kayla Thornton’s high-energy contributions, although in restricted minutes, had been very important for offering reduction within the rotation. At 32 years previous, Thornton’s influence didn’t go unnoticed, incomes her well-deserved applause from followers and teammates alike. However as nice as their efforts had been, Jonquel Jones’ MVP efficiency finally stole the highlight.

Jonquel Jones takes house an extra $15,450

From Recreation 1 of the Championship Finals, Jones made her intentions clear—she was a drive to be reckoned with. Dominating the court docket with 24 factors and 20 rebounds, she put the Lynx on discover. Because the sequence progressed, her affect solely grew, persistently delivering game-defining moments. Averaging 17.8 factors and seven.6 rebounds per recreation throughout the Finals, Jones earned the Finals MVP award. Together with the popularity, she pocketed an extra $15,450 as a part of her efficiency bonus, topping the $20K championship prize.

“Y’all know my story, y’all know what number of occasions I’ve been denied it, nevertheless it was delayed—that’s all it was,” Jones said while accepting the award from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. But, as Howard Megdal identified, whereas Jones’ distinctive efficiency deservedly took the highlight, gamers like Laney-Hamilton and Thornton additionally contributed considerably to the Liberty’s triumph.

With the championship drought of 28 years lastly over, New York Liberty followers can now breathe straightforward, celebrating a long-awaited title and the unbelievable efforts of the complete roster.