Jonquel Jones Powers Liberty Past Tempo With Historic 15–15 Performance

The New York Liberty extended their winning streak to three games on Wednesday night with a convincing 97–82 victory over the Toronto Tempo, powered by a standout performance from Jonquel Jones. The veteran center set the tone on both ends of the floor as New York controlled the game after the opening quarter.

Jones finished with 22 points, 17 rebounds, and two blocks, anchoring a Liberty team that improved to 6–4 on the season. Her production marked another milestone in a season already filled with high-level interior dominance and consistent two-way impact.

The performance also placed Jones in rare franchise company, further cementing her status as one of the most impactful bigs in Liberty history. Her ability to control the glass and score efficiently proved decisive in a game where New York gradually pulled away.

With the victory, the Liberty continued to build momentum early in the season, showcasing both star power and depth in a balanced team effort.

1. Jones Enters Elite Franchise And League Company

Jones’ performance added another historic layer to her Liberty career, as she joined Tina Charles and Breanna Stewart as the only players in franchise history with multiple games featuring at least 15 points and 15 rebounds. The achievement highlighted her consistency as a dominant frontcourt presence. She also became just the fourth player in Liberty history to record a 20-point, 15-rebound game, underscoring how rare her statistical output has been in team records. Her blend of scoring and rebounding continues to define her role within the roster. Beyond franchise milestones, Jones’ early dominance in the game placed her in select WNBA company. Her first-half production, in particular, drew attention for its historical significance across league contexts. These accomplishments further reinforce her standing as one of the league’s premier interior forces, capable of reshaping games through sheer physical presence and efficiency.

2. First-Half Surge Sets The Tone

Jones established control early, posting 17 points and 12 rebounds in the first half alone to secure the first first-half double-double of her Liberty regular-season career. Her aggressive start helped New York recover after a slow opening quarter. Her impact extended beyond scoring, as she became just the third player in WNBA history—alongside Tamika Catchings and Lauren Jackson—to hit three three-pointers while grabbing at least 12 rebounds in a single half. That versatility stretched Toronto’s defense and opened driving lanes for teammates. Her 12 first-half rebounds also tied the most in a single half by any player during the 2026 season, reflecting her dominance on the boards. That control limited Toronto’s second-chance opportunities and fueled New York’s transition game. By halftime, Jones had already shifted the game’s momentum firmly in the Liberty’s favor, setting up a comfortable second-half cushion.

3. Balanced Attack Secures Comfortable Victory

While Jones led the way, the Liberty benefited from a strong collective effort across the roster. Breanna Stewart added 19 points and nine rebounds, with 17 of her points coming after halftime to help close out the game. Marine Johannes contributed 15 points and continued her sharp shooting season, becoming the first player in the WNBA to reach 30 made three-pointers this year. Leonie Fiebich added 14 points and four assists, while Satou Sabally and rookie Pauline Astier provided valuable bench production. New York’s efficiency from deep proved crucial, as the team shot 14-for-32 from three-point range and controlled the glass for a second straight game. The Liberty also set a season high with 11 offensive rebounds and matched a franchise record with six players scoring in double figures. Toronto was led by 17 points each from Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes, but the Tempo were unable to overcome New York’s second- and third-quarter surges, ending their two-game winning streak in Sandy Brondello’s return to her former team’s home court.