New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones and forward Nyara Sabally will miss Thursday’s matchup against the Golden State Valkyries due to injuries. Jonquel Jones is sidelined with a hamstring issue, while Nyara Sabally, who was previously labeled as questionable, will not play due to a knee injury. Both players are listed as day-to-day.
These injuries surface as the defending WNBA champions continue their impressive start to the season, having won all four of their opening games. Their victories include a season opener against the Las Vegas Aces, followed by wins over the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, and a recent triumph over the Valkyries on Tuesday.
Jones is a key player for the Liberty, having claimed the Finals MVP title in 2024, and she is currently averaging nearly a double-double with 16.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Sabally has participated in two games this season, contributing an average of four points and four rebounds off the bench. In their absence, the Liberty will likely depend heavily on star player Breanna Stewart to dominate the paint in a smaller lineup against the Valkyries.
Golden State will be eager to rebound after suffering a significant 95-67 defeat to New York earlier this week. Currently, the Valkyries hold a 2-2 record and sit in seventh place in the league standings, while New York leads the Eastern Conference and ranks second overall in the WNBA, only behind the unbeaten Minnesota Lynx.
The Liberty’s strong start despite the loss of key players demonstrates their resilience and depth. This season promises to be exciting, and fans will be watching closely to see how the team navigates these challenges.