Jonquel Jones delivered an emotional MVP performance at the WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago, posting 22 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in just 22 minutes off the bench to lead Team Spoon to a 129-122 victory over Team Cooper.
The New York Liberty star dedicated the award to her aunt, who recently passed away, in an emotional post-game ceremony.
"My aunt meant a lot to me, she was one of the matriarchs in our family," Jones said. "A lot of great family parties and get togethers that happened at our house. My best memories were being in the kitchen and making great food for us. Show her love in that way."
Jones said she consulted her family about attending All-Star weekend and received their blessing, noting that her aunt was being cremated with ashes to be spread at a later date, which allowed her to participate on Saturday.
Playing in her sixth All-Star Game, Jones came within striking distance of the second triple-double in WNBA All-Star history. She had nine points, seven rebounds and six assists by halftime, and dominated the third quarter with eight points to put Team Spoon firmly in control.
Jones also took the opportunity to apologise for comments made on a livestream that suggested Minnesota should have won the 2024 WNBA title instead of New York.
"New York means a lot to me, the organization means a lot to me, our locker room, our chemistry what we've built," she said. "I never want to misrepresent that. I never want people to feel like I wasn't putting my best foot forward to our team and I apologize."
The weekend also featured a memorable off-court moment for Jones, who met former President Barack Obama at practice on Friday, even getting the former president to guard her for a few seconds.
Sources
- [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/mvp-jones-wnba-allstar-5d4fcf22e0acd83d09315a91da34fd20)
