The New York Liberty will go as far as Jonquel Jones takes them.

Her performances throughout the 2024 season — and against a mighty Minnesota Lynx team — are a good barometer to gauge how the Liberty will perform on any given night.

On Tuesday, the All-Star got her touches, was a force on the glass and was the reason why the Liberty were competitive in Tuesday’s 76-67 win over the Lynx.

“We want JJ to get touches,” Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello said pregame Tuesday. “I think hopefully she can get some easy ones early. Maybe we can get her in the corner because that’s where we get a lot of threes.”

She did get some “easy ones early,” logging six points within the first seven minutes of action Tuesday. But, two quick fouls in the first quarter forced her to the bench. In previous matchups — like the May 25 loss at Target Center — the quick fouls would’ve weakened her defense and affected her aggressiveness down low on offense.

Self-inflicted mistakes against a title-contending Lynx team is a recipe for disaster. That happened in last week’s Commissioner’s Cup Final in which 14 unforced errors compounded with a defensive masterclass against Jones led to a Liberty loss.

“JJ wasn’t at her best in the last game,” Brondello said. “I’m not gonna make the excuses for JJ she just didn’t have it. Sometimes great players just don’t have it. They’re human too. But she’ll be better tonight. So hopefully we can get a good inside balance for her.”

Indeed, JJ was better on Tuesday night. She led with a game-high 21 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal. In the previous two losses against the Lynx, she combined for seven points on just eight shots.

The Lynx didn’t have success crowding the five-time All-Star like they did in previous matchups. This time, Jones brought the ball up, forcing the offense to run through her with success. Her teammates found her in spots below the three-point arch, a rarity in the Cup game loss.

Even at times where she couldn’t generate offense, she created extra possessions by grabbing four offensive boards. Her dominance on the glass also forced officials to call multiple loose ball fouls in Jones’ favor.

And the “balance” Brondello alluded to was on display as well. Her three made treys kept the Lynx defense honest, including her make with nine minutes remaining in regulation that gave her team the first lead in the second half.

“If she’s not getting touches, how can she still impact the game and there’s so many other ways she impacts the game for us,” the head coach said. “Rebounding, passing, screening. We’ll just focus on playing basketball the right way.”

The Libs won’t get back the extra cash, but Tuesday’s win avenges the Commissioner’s Cup game loss at UBS Arena.

More importantly, the Libs secured a game — and confidence — against a potential postseason matchup down the line. All thanks to No. 35: Jonquel Jones.

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