Libertys Jonquel Jones wins WNBA All-Star Game MVP award after double-double

CHICAGO — Liberty star Jonquel Jones on Saturday night hoisted the All-Star MVP trophy above her head, prompting the United Center crowd to roar even louder.Moments later, she dedicated the award to her late aunt, Marilyn Anita Knowles.Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA.

“It means a lot to win the MVP at the All-Star Game,” Jones said after leading Teresa Weatherspoon’s team to a 129-122 win in front of a WNBA All-Star record crowd of 19,783 fans.“There’s so many great players that have come before that have done it.

… New York means so much to me and every time I put the jersey on.I know that I represent a city that loves the game and players that have come before me that have really paved the way so I think it was really a big deal to come here tonight and to play in a way that represented the game well.”Jones almost didn’t come to Chicago this weekend after earning her sixth All-Star selection this season because her aunt’s memorial service was also Saturday.

She talked with her family before deciding to play and found peace in knowing that she will be there for when they spread her aunt’s ashes.“My aunt meant a lot to me,” said Jones, who fondly recalled watching her aunt cook.“She was one of the matriarchs in our family and I remember a lot of great parties, family parties, family get-togethers that happened at her house and she was so willing to bring everybody together.”Playing in her sixth All-Star game and first since 2024, Jones packed the stat sheet with 22 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists off the bench.

She will receive a $20,000 prize for being named the game’s MVP on top of the $15,000 bonus for participating in the game.Fever star Caitlin Clark lauded Jones, who was her teammate for the weekend.“JJ’s incredible and she’s just a good soul,” Clark said.“She’s a good person, she’s very down to...