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Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jonquel Jones puts WNBA on notice with 8-word claim after Liberty win vs. Sun
The post Jonquel Jones puts WNBA on notice with 8-word claim after Liberty win vs. Sun appeared first on ClutchPoints. Jonquel Jones sent a clear message to the WNBA after the New York Liberty dismantled the Connecticut Sun, 100-52, on Sunday. Advertisement 'We are exactly who we think we are,' she said as her team improved to 7-0 on the season. The unbeaten start matched a franchise record on a day in which the Liberty practically rewrote their own record books. Their 48-point win was a franchise regular season record, their 19 made threes matched the WNBA record they set just 10 days ago, and they tied their all-time record for made threes in a half with 12. Their 19 consecutive assisted field goals in the first quarter were also the second-most in WNBA history. 'We know that we're a team that when we go out there, we play our basketball every night, we're extremely hard to beat,' Jones continued. 'We understand that it's the standard and we're working towards trying to win another [championship].' With the Minnesota Lynx, the Liberty's 2024 Finals opponent, also unbeaten, it's too early to anoint New York as the team to beat. It's not too early, however, to acknowledge that the team has clicked offensively far quicker than it did during their championship season. Advertisement At this time last year, the Liberty were still figuring out how to find their best shot. Even in their wins, the ball got stuck too often on one side of the court and the decision-making left much to be desired. That hasn't been the case in 2025. Part of that is due to the core just having more experience together. Another part is total buy-in throughout the roster. Everyone who played for New York on Sunday scored and 10 different players hit a three (another Liberty record). 'It was great to be able to see the contribution from everyone,' said Sabrina Ionescu, who finished with a team-high 18 points and four made threes. 'Everyone came out really ready, everyone scored and contributed in a really impactful way.' More impressively, the Liberty were playing for the fourth time in the last six days. The team never showed signs of fatigue, never trailing and leading by as many as 57 points. Advertisement 'We had to go out there and be the best we can, and obviously we knew there's 17,000 fans there tonight, and that was kind of my message before the game,' Ionescu added. 'There could be new fans, new kids that come and want to watch us for the first time.' All 17,415 fans in attendance also saw the Liberty outscore Connecticut 29-2 in fast-break points. Ionescu credited that number to the team's defense. 'We were able to get stops, steals, deflections, rebounds, holding [them to] one shot,' she said. Liberty guard Natasha Cloud compares her game to Jrue Holiday John Jones-Imagn Images Natasha Cloud also deserves some credit for how seamlessly the offense has flowed so far in 2025. She started the season filling up the scoring column, averaging 18.7 points through the Liberty's first three games and earning Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors along the way. Advertisement Over the last four, her scoring has dipped, but she has averaged 6.3 assists per game. She takes pride in her ability to score, distribute, defend and do everything in between, comparing herself to Jrue Holiday of the Boston Celtics. 'Look at me as Jrue Holiday. I think that is the greatest player comparison,' she said. 'I really appreciate everything he does. Whatever this team needs on any given night, that's what my job's gonna be.' She added that whatever it is she's adding, it all comes back to energy. 'It can be really easy in a well-oiled machine as a new player to just fall in line,' she said. 'But understanding that I'm bringing something different to the team this year that is needed and necessary. That's my doggedness on both sides of the floor.' With Cloud in tow and the Liberty rolling, New York finally gets some time off. They play next on Thursday at a Washington Mystics team that they beat by 22 on the road two days ago.
New York Post
01-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Liberty's Jonquel Jones answering coach's rebounding challenge
We've got you covered on the Liberty beat Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA. tRY IT NOW WASHINGTON — Liberty coach Sandy Brondello had a simple explanation Friday night for why her travel-weary team managed to grab a season-high 47 rebounds against the Mystics. 'JJ was playing,' Brondello said after the Liberty's 85-63 win, 'so that's a good start for us.' Advertisement JJ, meaning Jonquel Jones, the 2024 Finals MVP who's been churning out double-doubles this season as often as Zara releases new products. Brondello said she was 'joking.' Truth be told, though, she wasn't. Advertisement Jones' absence was felt Thursday, when the Liberty squeaked out a win against the Valkyries. Jones had to make what she called a 'smart' decision to rest after discomfort flared up in her right hamstring, knowing the team would need her more Friday against the Mystics. Jones may not have been 100 percent Friday, and that win may not have been her most efficient start. But an overextended hamstring couldn't keep Jones off the glass in the nation's capital. Advertisement With her shot not falling early, Jones focused on an expertise that sometimes can be as much about effort as skill. 3 Jonquel Jones shoots over Stefanie Dolson during the Liberty's win over the Mystics. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Knowing that Brondello has harped on the team about rebounding all season, Jones made a conscious effort to crash the boards. 'It's a point of emphasis for me right now,' Jones said. 'Our team right now, we're kind of losing a rebounding war, and so it's just something that I can bring every night — whether my shots have fallen or not. It's something that I can use to kind of affect the game and kind of get me going. And I think that's what happened tonight.' Advertisement Jones notched 18 rebounds, the most she's had in a regular-season game since 2019. She also finished with 14 points — 10 in the second half. 3 Jonquel Jones boxes out and battles for rebounding position during the Liberty's win over the Mystics. NBAE via Getty Images The Liberty improved to 26-0 when Jones has a double-double. Friday was her fourth this season. In general, the Liberty have been a steady rebounding team. They average 37.3 per game, which is the league's third-best mark. The issue, though, is that they give up too many second-chance opportunities. 3 Jonquel Jones drives to the basket during the Liberty's win over the Mystics. NBAE via Getty Images The Libs are allowing a league-high 11.5 offensive boards per game. The defending champions have surrendered 15 offensive boards twice this season, including in Thursday's win against the Valkyries. Overall, the Liberty's rebound rate through the first six games is down four percent compared to last season's start, per WNBA advanced stats. Advertisement There are a few factors for why that might be. For one, the Liberty's defensive scheme can be switch-heavy at times, which sometimes brings post players out to the perimeter or guards under the basket. Opposing teams can feast on undisciplined behaviors when it comes to tagging up or boxing out, too. 'Rebounding is kind of an effort thing,' Breanna Stewart said. 'So I think we just need to be more conscious and more aware of it.' Advertisement One player, such as Jones, can make a huge difference. But the best rebounding teams approach it by committee. 'We know JJ is going to get in there, but we need everybody because that allows us to get out and run,' Brondello said. 'It was nice to finally win on that stat [Friday.]'
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NHL Stanley Cup 2025: Oilers' win over Stars sets up finals rematch against Panthers
This year, the Stanley Cup Finals will look familiar, as the Edmonton Oilers face off against the Florida Panthers for the second straight year. The 2024 Finals rematch will begin next week in what is likely to be another exciting series. Edmonton secured its 2025 Finals appearance with a 6-3 win over the Dallas Stars on Thursday, icing a 4-1 series win and the Western Conference championship. The victory set up a rematch against Florida, who picked up its own 4-1 series win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday. Advertisement As the Oilers chase their first Stanley Cup since 1990, their final obstacle will once again be the Panthers, who defeated Edmonton in a thrilling series in 2024. Florida went up 3-0 in the series before Edmonton went on a run to force a Game 7; the Panthers staved off a historic collapse with a 2-1 victory over the Oilers to earn the franchise's first title. It's been more than 30 years since a Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup — and the Oilers, out for revenge, have extra motivation to break that drought. Edmonton will also open the series as a slight betting favorite over the Panthers. Hockey superstitions may also come into play here. After not touching the Clarence S. Campbell trophy last year and subsequently losing the Finals, Oilers captain Connor McDavid grabbed it right away this year — opening the hope that Edmonton's luck might change. Both teams have been on strong postseason runs heading into the rematch. Florida kicked off the playoffs with a 4-1 series win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, before dashing the Toronto Maple Leafs' postseason dreams with a 6-1 Game 7 victory. Advertisement As for Edmonton, the Oilers pulled through the first two rounds with a 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings with a 4-2 win and a 4-1 win over the Las Vegas Knights before dispatching the Stars. The Stanley Cup Finals will begin on June 4, with Edmonton hosting the first two games.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jaylen Brown Played Through Major Muscle Tear For Celtics After Jayson Tatum Injury
The Boston Celtics lost Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Friday, ending their goal of defending their title. The Celtics, who won the championship last year against the Dallas Mavericks, lost Jayson Tatum to an Achilles tear in Game 4. He could miss the entire 2025-26 season. Advertisement Jaylen Brown did all he could to keep Boston's season alive after Tatum went down. He scored 26 points in Game 5 and 20 in Game 6 before fouling out. The Celtics lost Game 6 by a final score of 119-81. Tatum may not be the only Celtics player to rehab an injury this summer. Brown may have to as well. Boston Celtics forward Jaylen BrownMandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, Brown finished the season with a partially torn right meniscus. He may need surgery this summer. "He will be evaluated this week to determine if surgery is needed, sources said," Shelburne wrote. "ESPN previously reported that Brown had received pain injections in his knee. Those injections began in March, sources said." Advertisement Brown told reporters after the Celtics lost Game 6 to the Knicks that he had been dealing with some physical issues. The 2024 Finals MVP missed the Celtics' final three regular-season games. "I don't make excuses," Brown said after Game 6. "Obviously, it's tough the way we went out like tonight, but the way we finished the year, personally, the way I finished the year, persevering through some physical stuff that I was battling through, I'm proud of our group." Brown averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists in the regular season and 22.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists in the playoffs in 10 games against the Orlando Magic and Knicks. Related: Details Emerge Why Jayson Tatum Underwent Achilles Surgery So Soon
Business Insider
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Insider
Where to watch WNBA games: Live stream the 2025 season from anywhere
The W is back, and it's shaping up to be one of the most exciting and competitive years in league history. We've compiled everything you need to know about where to watch WNBA games, including cable and live streaming options. The WNBA has seen a meteoric rise over the past few years, thanks to both the vets who have been carrying the league — like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, and the recently retired Diana Taurasi — and some promising new players, including Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. Fresh off their first-ever Championship, the New York Liberty are looking to go back-to-back. The Minnesota Lynx, who fell to the Liberty in Game 5 of the 2024 Finals, are vying for their own comeback story. Of course, all eyes are also on the Indiana Fever and Dallas Wings. While the two teams have had less-than-stellar track records over the past few years, the Fever has been revitalized by back-to-back No. 1 draft picks Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark (and a few offseason acquisitions), and made it to the playoffs for the first time in several years last season. Dallas nabbed Bueckers, the No. 1 overall 2025 draft pick, and signed some top-rated vets to join Wings star Arike Ogunbowale this year. Needless to say, it's shaping up to be a can't-miss season. The viewing options are pretty widespread, but we've broken down absolutely everything there is to know about tuning in. Where to watch WNBA: quick links US: ESPN, ESPN3, ION, NBA TV, Prime Video, ABC, CBS, CBS Sports DirecTV (5-day free trial) Fubo (7-day free trial) Sling TV (50% off first month) ESPN Plus (from $12/month) Paramount Plus (7-day free trial) Prime Video (30-day free trial) Access subscriptions anywhere: ExpressVPN (30-day money-back guarantee) When: Regular season: May 16—September 11, 2025 Playoffs: September 14—October 17, 2025 (at the latest) Notable opening weekend games: Atlanta Dream vs. Washington Mystics on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ION Minnesota Lynx vs. Dallas Wings on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ION Los Angeles Sparks vs. Golden State Valkyries on Friday at 10 p.m. ET on ION Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on ABC Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ABC What channels are WNBA games on? If you thought NBA coverage was too widespread, welcome to the W. WNBA games air across several channels in a variety of network families. If you're hoping to watch every nationally broadcast game this year, you'll need access to ESPN, ESPN3, ION, NBA TV, ABC, CBS, and CBS Sports Network. Even if you have the best cable package in the world, you'll still need to sign up for Prime Video to access the streamer's exclusive Thursday night games. Where to watch the WNBA in the US It's safe to say that there's no one streaming service that will have it all, but you can get pretty close with the help of live TV streaming packages such as DirecTV and Fubo, two of the best sports streaming services we've personally tested. DirecTV, which we dubbed the top cable alternative in our guide to the best live TV streaming services, offers ESPN, ESPN2, ION, NBA TV, ABC, and CBS. You should be able to log onto the ESPN website with your DirecTV credentials to live stream ESPN3 games. While you'll need to look elsewhere for the rare CBS Sports Network game (or upgrade to a higher tier of DirecTV), this (and a Prime Video subscription) will allow you to watch nearly all nationally broadcast games this season. The DirecTV Choice plan costs $90/month and comes with a five-day free trial. Just keep in mind that there are usually some extra required monthly costs for things like regional sports fees. New users can get their first month for up to $30 off. Fubo is another great live TV streaming package. The month-to-month service offers ESPN, ESPN2, ION, NBA TV, ABC, and CBS in its Fubo Elite plan. This tier costs $95/month, plus some extra monthly regional sports fees. Like DirecTV, users should be able to use their Fubo credentials to log into the ESPN website to stream ESPN3 games. Just keep in mind that Fubo doesn't currently offer the CBS Sports Network. New users can get $20 off their first month of service after a seven-day free trial. Sling TV will also be able to help you out for many (but not all) games this season. Sling's Orange plan, which costs $46/month, includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3. Users should be able to watch WNBA on ABC games simulcast on ESPN3. Sling's Freestream option comes with ION access, and you can get the Sports Extra add-on for an additional $11/month to unlock NBA TV. New users can get $23 off their first month of service. Remember that you'll need to look elsewhere for CBS games, which we'll dig into below. Paramount Plus, ESPN Plus, and Prime Video will live stream select games throughout the season. Paramount Plus will offer CBS live streaming through its Paramount Plus with Showtime tier, which costs $13/month. This option, which doesn't live stream the few games that will air on CBS Sports Network, comes with a seven-day free trial for new users. Paramount Plus with Showtime (1 Month) Paramount Plus offers a huge library of on-demand content from Paramount, CBS, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, and MTV. The Premium Plan also includes Showtime and live CBS streaming. It costs $12.99 a month or $120 a year. More importantly, it removes ads from the on-demand streaming library. Check price at Paramount Plus ESPN Plus is also live streaming several ABC games this season, including the Indiana Fever's season opener against the Chicago Sky. Subscriptions cost $12/month, but you can save some money with an annual plan, which goes for $120/year. As we mentioned above, you'll need Prime Video to watch Thursday night games. You can sign up for Prime Video for just $9/month or get it included with any regular Amazon Prime subscription, which costs $15/month. New Prime subscribers (or those who haven't had an account in the past 12 months) can get a 30-day free trial of the service. Finally, there's the WNBA League Pass, which costs $13/month. You can get this through the WNBA League Pass website or add it on through your Amazon account if you don't feel like downloading another app. The WNBA League Pass is helpful if you're looking to tune into games that don't have a national broadcast partner (and a few that do), but several of the must-see games this season will most likely be unavailable live on League Pass because they air on a nationally broadcast network. Most ABC, ESPN, CBS, and Prime Video games aren't available live on League Pass, while ION and NBA TV are typically simulcast. Usually, these missing games will still be available to stream on the WNBA League Pass after they air on TV, but you'll need to look elsewhere (like at one of the above options) if you're hoping to watch live. Similarly, there will be blackouts on live home games for people who are local to a team that has a regional sports network option. How to watch the WNBA from anywhere WNBA fans can still use their go-to streaming options while traveling outside the US with the help of a VPN. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs allow people to change their virtual locations. This way, they can access their usual websites and apps from anywhere in the world. They're also strong ways to boost day-to-day cybersecurity. The services we've highlighted today require US payment methods, so this option will work best for Americans who are simply abroad at the moment. Time and time again, ExpressVPN is the best VPN we've tested. It's versatile, easy to use, and has an impressive number of security perks, which you can explore in our ExpressVPN review. Keep reading to learn how to use a VPN. How to watch the WNBA with a VPN Sign up for a VPN if you don't already have one. Install it on the device you're using to watch. Turn it on and set it to a US location. Sign up for one of the above streaming services. Enjoy the games! Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.
