Jones shot poorly in series; NY looking for new coach

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Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) star Jonquel 'JJ' Jones and the 2024 league champions, the New York Liberty, saw their title defense cut short with a 2-1 first-round series loss to the Phoenix Mercury last Friday.

The team is not only on the outside looking in when it comes to the remainder of the 2025 WNBA postseason, but they will also have to cope with the departure of championship-winning head coach Sandy Brondello.

The Liberty announced on Tuesday that they would not renew Brondello's contract, marking the end of her four-year tenure, which included the franchise's first WNBA championship last season.

Heading into the 2025 WNBA season, the team aimed to defend its title as league champions. They appeared to be on that trajectory after opening the season with a stellar 9-0 win/loss record. However, injuries to key players, including Jones, contributed to a fifth-seed placement and a 27-17 record heading into the postseason.

The Liberty ultimately fell 79-73 in a decisive game three on the road against the Mercury.

Jones, who won her first WNBA championship and the WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, last year, struggled in the series against Phoenix.

The Grand Bahamian center had three points, eight rebounds, and shot an inefficient 1-for-10 from the field in the team's elimination game.

She entered the postseason averaging 13.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while shooting 49 percent from the field.

However, her averages dipped in the playoffs to 5.7 points and 11 rebounds per game, while shooting just 26.9 percent from the field and 18.2 percent from deep.

Jones never reached double digits in scoring during the series, and her best performance came in game one.

The Liberty won that contest 76-69 in overtime. Jones contributed seven points, 12 boards, and three blocks in the win.

As for Coach Brondello, she had a memorable run with the New York Liberty. Over her four seasons, she led the team to a 107-53 record

Now, the team is on the hunt for a new head coach following a tumultuous end to their season.