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Jonquel Jones can’t let Angel Reese continue to torment Liberty

Angel Reese dominated Jonquel Jones in the Atlanta Dream’s 92–82 victory over the New York Liberty in Game 1 of their WNBA semifinal series. Reese delivered a complete performance with 17 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and three blocks, while shooting 60% from the field.

Her defensive prowess as the league’s newly crowned Defensive Player of the Year set the tone early, as the Dream stifled Liberty’s interior presence. Jones, despite recording 12 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks, struggled to match Reese’s impact, finishing 4-for-9 from the field and failing to establish herself as a consistent offensive threat.

The loss underscores Jones’ need to reclaim her aggressive, dominant form seen in the Liberty’s first-round sweep of Minnesota, where she averaged 21 points and 13 rebounds per game. With Game 2 on the horizon, Jones acknowledged the need to adjust her approach, emphasizing physicality and defensive intensity to disrupt Reese’s control of the paint.

Meanwhile, Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu’s 27 points came with just one assist and five turnovers, highlighting the team’s need for better ball movement to free up Jones and others in the series’ pivotal matchups.

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