Jones scores 24 as Sun win four games in a row

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

Jonquel Jones and the Connecticut Sun extended their league-leading winning streak to four games.

Jones finished with a team high 24 points, seven rebounds and two blocked shots in the Sun’s 83-75 win over the Washington Mystics at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, on Tuesday night.

The Sun improved to WNBA best record 6-1 while they ended the Mystics’ (4-2) four-game winning streak. It was also their 11th consecutive win at home.

Jones, the reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week, shot a blistering 9-11 from the field, including 2-4 from three-point range and 4-5 from the free throw line.

Washington led 24-18 at the end of the first and 37-33 at the half. They continued their run into the third and with a 9-3 run, took a 46-36 lead. Jones followed an Alyssa Thomas three-point play with back-to-back three pointers to pull within one (46-45).

Jones made a free throw after Washington coach Mike Thibault was called for a technical and then scored on the ensuing possession to cap a 12-2 run. Nine straight points from Jones put the Sun up 48-47.

Jones currently ranks fourth in the league in scoring at 18 points per game, first in rebounds at 18 boards per game and first in blocks at 3.1 per game.

As a team, the Sun rank second in the league in both rebounds and blocked shots. They are also second in team defence, allowing the second fewest points.

“The statistics confirm what is already apparent — Jones has dominated in the paint and protected the rim with authority. Winning back-to-back Player of the Week Awards shows that Jones can remain a steady force game after game and that the Sun can rely on her to carry the team throughout the season,” said WNBA.com’s George Klein.

“The centre makes use of her tough 6’,6” frame to clear space near the basket with her shoulders while shielding the ball. Impressively, Jones also boasts a smooth shot from long-range, making threes comfortably and in rhythm, which helps to space the floor for the Sun. She possesses quick feet which help her on rebounding attempts, since she can agilely adjust to different bounces.

“Jones’ knack for timing leaps and her long arms, along with those quick feet, make for impressive blocks all around the court. She can take off and chase down would-be layups. With Jones leading the way on both offence and defence, Sun fans can be assured that their team boasts one of the league’s brightest stars.”