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Jonquel Jones · Jonquel Jones had plenty to say about the Las Vegas Aces’ quest for a second straight Commissioner's Cup championship. The four-time All-Star and 2021 WNBA MVP has stepped up time and time again in her first season with the New York Liberty, this time protecting a two-point third-quarter lead against the defending champs. When Aces guard Chelsea Gray beat Kayla Thornton on a strong left-hand drive to the rim, Jones was there to pick up her teammate as the perfect help defender when she drifted into the paint to land a power rejection to preserve the slim lead. Jones’ denial galvanized the Liberty, who closed the period on an 11-5 run to take an eight-point lead into the final frame before running away with the game in a dominant fourth quarter. Jones posted 16 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks en route to being named the game’s MVP in an 82-63 Liberty victory on August 15, 2023. · State of Mint