Jonquel Jones, star of the New York Liberty and the 2024 WNBA Finals MVP, finally celebrated her long-awaited championship victory after years of hard-fought battles. After spending the first seven seasons of her career with the Connecticut Sun—where she faced two challenging WNBA Finals losses, including a remarkable five-game series defeat to the Washington Mystics in 2019—her triumph with the Liberty marked a significant turning point.
In the 2019 series, Jones competed against her current teammates, series MVP Emma Meesseman and starting guard Natasha Cloud. This year, the dynamics have shifted dramatically after Cloud joined the Liberty in the offseason, and Meesseman recently returned from Belgium following visa issues. Ahead of a weekend game against the Connecticut Sun, Jones reflected on her past experiences with the duo, sharing a heartfelt sentiment: “My greatest heartbreak is now my greatest joy,” emphasizing her happiness to have them as teammates now.
Despite a rough start to the season—losing crucial games with notable players like Breanna Stewart, Kennedy Burke, and Nyara Sabally sidelined due to injuries—the Liberty have found some footing, winning both games that featured the newly formed trio. Cloud acknowledged the existing chemistry among the players, stating that familiarity helps ease transitions, even midseason. Players have crossed paths in various leagues and competitions globally, underscoring the close-knit nature of women’s basketball.
As the Liberty navigates challenges and strives for another title, Meesseman’s timely addition proved pivotal. After struggling with recent defeats, including losses to subpar teams, Meesseman’s debut reignited the team’s spirit, leading the Liberty to victory against the Sun and then avenging a previous defeat to the Wings.
The Liberty’s transformative journey highlights the importance of camaraderie and resilience, setting an inspiring example for teams aiming for success against adversities. With optimism surrounding their current trajectory, fans and players alike look forward to see how the Liberty will build upon this newfound synergy as they chase another championship title.