Playing at Barclays Center, Breanna Stewart and her teammates need a victory to keep their championship defense alive, while Atlanta has a chance to close out the series and secure its first trip to the WNBA Finals since 2013.

Chris DeMarco‘s team has had opportunities to take control of the series but has been unable to finish the job. Atlanta won Game 1 by a 92-82 score before surviving a thrilling overtime battle in Game 2, winning 101-98.

What happens if the NY Liberty win vs. Dream today?

If the New York Liberty defeat the Atlanta Dream in Game 3, they will cut their semifinal series deficit to 2-1 and keep their hopes of reaching the 2026 WNBA Finals alive. New York trails 2-0 in the best-of-five series and must win Friday, October 9, at Barclays Center to avoid elimination.

The Liberty have shown they can compete with Atlanta, but they have yet to turn their performances into a win. The Dream took Game 1 by a 92-82 score before earning a dramatic 101-98 overtime victory in Game 2.

What happens if the Atlanta Dream win vs. Liberty today?

If the Atlanta Dream beat the New York Liberty in Game 3, they will complete a 3-0 sweep of the semifinals and advance to the 2026 WNBA Finals. Atlanta leads the series 2-0 and needs just one more victory to eliminate the defending champions and secure its first Finals appearance since 2013.

The Dream have controlled the series through strong team defense and timely scoring. They opened with a 92-82 win in Atlanta, then survived an overtime thriller in Game 2, with Angel Reese and Jordin Canada scoring 23 points apiece. Naz Hillmon delivered the go-ahead basket in overtime, helping Atlanta move within one win of the championship round.

Can the NY Liberty still reach the 2026 WNBA Finals if they lose Game 3?

No. If the New York Liberty lose Game 3, they will be eliminated from the 2026 WNBA playoffs, and the Atlanta Dream will advance to the Finals with a 3-0 sweep.

The semifinals use a best-of-five format, meaning the first team to win three games advances to the championship series. With Atlanta already holding a 2-0 lead, another victory would end New York’s season.

The stakes are particularly high for the Liberty, who are trying to defend the WNBA championship they won in 2024. New York advanced to the semifinals after sweeping the Minnesota Lynx, becoming the first No. 8 seed in league history to eliminate a No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

However, the team has struggled to contain Atlanta in the current series, losing both games despite a 35-point performance from Breanna Stewart in Game 2.

How many wins do the Liberty need to advance to the WNBA Finals?

The New York Liberty must win three consecutive games to advance to the 2026 WNBA Finals after falling behind the Atlanta Dream 2-0. Because the semifinal series is a best-of-five matchup, New York needs to win Game 3, Game 4 and Game 5 to claim the series 3-2.

The first step is winning Friday’s matchup at Barclays Center. If the Liberty prevail, they will force Game 4 on Sunday, October 11, also in Brooklyn. Should they win that game as well, the series would be tied 2-2, setting up a decisive Game 5 on Wednesday, October 14, in Atlanta.

Jordin Canada erupted for 25 points as Atlanta rallied from a three-point halftime deficit, while New York was undone by 21 turnovers. The stakes are even higher with Game 2 returning to State Farm Arena.

The Dream are trying to build on their first semifinal victory since 2018, while the Liberty are looking to steal one on the road before the series shifts to New York. The best-of-five matchup will continue at Barclays Center for Game 3 on Friday.

What happens if the Liberty win Game 2?

If the Liberty win Game 2, they will tie the semifinal series 1-1 and head back to New York with the matchup level. That would be a major response after Atlanta took Game 1, 92-82, and would prevent the Dream from taking a commanding 2-0 advantage.

Game 3 is scheduled for Friday, giving New York home court for the next two games. If they also win Game 3, they would take their first series lead. Game 4 would be played in New York on Sunday, October 11, if necessary, while a decisive Game 5 would return to Atlanta on October 14.

For them, the turnaround would also be significant because Atlanta has won eight straight games dating back to the regular season. The Dream controlled Game 1 by forcing 21 turnovers and turning those mistakes into 32 points, while Jordin Canada scored 25 points and DeWanna Bonner added 23.

What happens if the Dream win Game 2?

If the Dream win Game 2, Atlanta will take a 2-0 lead and move one victory away from reaching the WNBA Finals. They would then need just one more win in the final three potential games to eliminate New York.

That would put enormous pressure on the Liberty heading into Game 3. New York would have to win three consecutive games to advance, while Atlanta would have three opportunities to collect the one victory it needs.

The situation is particularly daunting from a historical perspective. No team in league history has come back to win a best-of-five series after falling behind 2-0. Only one team, the 2018 Phoenix Mercury, had previously forced a Game 5 after losing the opening two games of a best-of-five series.

Atlanta would also have home-court advantage for the potential deciding Game 5. The Dream entered the semifinals as the No. 4 seed, while New York is the No. 8 seed after becoming the first No. 8 seed in WNBA history to eliminate a No. 1 seed in the opening round.

What happens if Liberty vs. Dream is tied at the end of regulation?

If Liberty vs. Dream is tied after regulation, the game will go to overtime and continue until there is a winner. A WNBA game cannot officially end in a tie, so the result of overtime will determine whether the series becomes 1-1 or Atlanta moves ahead 2-0.

That distinction is important for the semifinal scenario. If New York wins in overtime, the Liberty will have erased Atlanta’s Game 1 advantage and tied the series. If Atlanta wins the extra period, the Dream will take a 2-0 lead and put themselves one victory from the Finals.

The best-of-five semifinal format means the first team to win three games advances. The WNBA’s official 2026 playoff format uses a 2-2-1 structure for the semifinals, with the higher seed hosting Games 1, 2 and a potential Game 5.

The recent win over the Seattle Storm allowed Sandy Brondello’s squad to solidify their status as one of the top title contenders — even with two games still left to play.

Speaking to the media after the game, Stewart acknowledged that it hasn’t been easy to get to this point. However, she revealed that one key factor has helped make it possible: resilience.

“The resiliency of this team is probably the most important part of the entire season, just the fact that it’s been up and down, players in and out, roster changes, all the things you could imagine have happened to this team, but we don’t want our runs to be easy,” she said.

“We just want it to be really, really worth it,” she continued, “so I think we’re embracing the hard and showing up every day, ready for whatever challenge we’re gonna have and whoever we’re gonna have with us.”

Eyes on the title

As the regular season winds down, the New York Liberty find themselves in a familiar position: ready to defend their title. Led by superstar Breanna Stewart, the reigning champion, the Liberty are once again poised for a deep postseason run.

With a roster packed with All-Star talent and a championship-winning core, New York has one goal in mind: repeating as WNBA champions. After an up-and-down season, the Liberty’s path to a repeat will require them to find their championship-level form at the right time, with Stewart spearheading the charge to deliver a second consecutive title to the City that Never Sleeps.

What’s next for the Liberty?

With the main goal of entering the playoffs with the momentum needed to challenge any opponent, the Liberty have just two games left to play:

• vs Washington Mystics, September 9
• vs Chicago Sky, September 11

Her path from Freeport to basketball’s brightest stage is a story built on resilience and reinvention. Beyond the dazzling stats and MVP honors, she embodies the determination of an athlete who continues to redefine her role with every season.

Yet, her profile extends well past the hardwood. From her personal milestones to her defining on-court moments, she has layered a career that speaks to impact, evolution and legacy. Each chapter reveals a piece of the player she has become.

How old is Jonquel Jones?

Jonquel Jones is 32 years old. She was born on January 5, 1994, in Freeport, Bahamas, and currently plays center for the New York Liberty. The WNBA identifies her as a six-time All-Star and the 2021 WNBA MVP.

She moved to the United States as a teenager to pursue basketball and eventually played college basketball at George Washington University. She was selected No. 6 overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks before being traded to the Connecticut Sun.

How tall is Jonquel Jones?

Jonquel Jones is 6 feet 6 inches tall (1.98 meters). The WNBA lists her at 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, making her one of the tallest players in the league and a particularly imposing presence at center.

Her size has been a major part of her success as a rebounder and interior defender, although she has also developed a reliable perimeter game. She has made 383 career three-pointers at a 38.3% rate, according to the Liberty’s 2026 team notes.

Jonquel Jones’ love life: Is she single?

Jonquel Jones has been publicly engaged to Nesha Legania. The two became publicly known as a couple before getting engaged in April 2023. Legania has also been described as her fiancée in reporting from her native Bahamas.

She has spoken openly about her sexuality and her journey toward embracing her identity. In ESPN’s 2022 profile, she discussed having a girlfriend while she was in high school and later becoming more comfortable publicly sharing that she is a lesbian.

What is Jonquel Jones’ jersey number?

For Jonquel Jones, number 35 is not just stitched on her jersey; it has become part of her identity. Worn proudly with the New York Liberty, the number has accompanied her through some of the highest peaks of her professional career.

Athletes often choose numbers for deeply personal reasons—sometimes to honor a role model, sometimes as a symbol of their journey. While she has never gone into great public detail about why she chose 35, what’s clear is how strongly the number has come to represent her dominance.

Every time she steps onto the court, “35” becomes shorthand for her rebounding prowess, defensive versatility, and offensive firepower. It’s a number Liberty fans now associate with hope and championship dreams.

Jonquel Jones’ career highlights

2026 WNBA All-Star MVP: Jones earned her sixth career All-Star selection in 2026 and then won All-Star Game MVP. She scored a team-high 22 points for Team Spoon in a 129-122 victory over Team Coop. It was her first All-Star MVP award.

2024 WNBA Champion: Jones helped the New York Liberty win the first championship in franchise history. New York defeated the Minnesota Lynx in five games in the WNBA Finals.

2024 WNBA Finals MVP: Jones was named Finals MVP after her performances throughout the championship series, adding the award to an already impressive individual résumé.

2021 WNBA MVP: During her time with the Connecticut Sun, Jones was named the league’s Most Valuable Player after one of the best seasons of her career. She also earned All-WNBA First Team honors that year.

2023 Commissioner’s Cup MVP: In her first season with the Liberty, Jones earned Commissioner’s Cup MVP honors, adding another major league award to her résumé.

2018 Sixth Woman of the Year: Jones won the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year award with Connecticut, showing the versatility that allowed her to make an impact even when coming off the bench.

2017 Most Improved Player: Just one year after entering the WNBA, Jones was named Most Improved Player. She also earned All-WNBA Second Team honors that season.

Six-time WNBA All-Star: Jones has been selected to six All-Star Games: 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2026. Her 2026 selection was her first since 2024.

Five-time All-WNBA selection: Jones has earned All-WNBA recognition five times, including First Team honors in 2021 and Second Team selections in 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2024.

Four-time All-Defensive Team selection: She has also been recognized among the WNBA’s top defenders four times, in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2024.

Historic postseason performance: Jones set a WNBA single-postseason record with eight double-doubles during the 2023 playoffs. The Liberty later noted that she became the only player in WNBA history to record at least 10 postseason double-doubles with multiple teams.

Connecticut Sun legend: Before becoming a Liberty star, Jones spent her first seven WNBA seasons with Connecticut. In 2026, the Sun honored her as a Sun Legend and retired No. 35, placing her jersey in the rafters at Mohegan Sun Arena. She finished her Sun career ranked first in franchise history in blocks, third in rebounds and fifth in points.

Unique award résumé: Jones became the first player in WNBA history to win Most Improved Player, Sixth Player of the Year and MVP during her career, all while establishing herself as one of the league’s premier frontcourt players.

WNBA career production: Through the latest WNBA profile, Jones has averaged 13.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game over her career, further illustrating her impact across multiple areas of the game.

Jonquel Jones has become the defining presence for the New York Liberty, blending dominance in the paint with leadership that extends beyond the stat sheet. Her influence on the team is as visible as her highlight-reel plays.

The Liberty have built around her explosiveness and versatility, making her contract more than just a number. It reflects the organization’s commitment to a player who has consistently reshaped the dynamics of every game she touches.

As the league watches, the details of her WNBA salary and remaining time with the team hint at bigger narratives—about ambition, value, and the balance between star power and team strategy.

What is Jonquel Jones’ salary with the New York Liberty?

Jonquel Jones, one of the WNBA’s most dominant forwards, is earning a base salary of $192,500 for the 2025 season with the New York Liberty, according to Spotrac. Her deal reflects both her veteran status and the evolving financial landscape, where top-tier talent is finally seeing more competitive compensation

She signed a two-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $385,000. While these figures still trail far behind NBA counterparts, they mark a steady climb in WNBA salaries—especially for players with her résumé, which includes an MVP award and multiple All-Star appearances.

Beyond her paycheck, she supplements her income through overseas play and brand endorsements, including partnerships with Nike and State Farm. But within the Liberty’s salary cap structure, her deal is a strategic investment in a player who anchors both ends of the court.

Jonquel Jones’ contract: How long does the deal last?

Jonquel Jones’ current contract with the New York Liberty spans two seasons, covering 2024 and 2025, after which she becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

This two-year pact is a protected contract, meaning she cannot be waived without financial consequence to the team—a status reserved for cornerstone players. It also gives the Liberty a window to chase a championship with a core that includes Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jones herself.

The timing of the contract aligns with the Liberty’s broader roster strategy: short-term flexibility with high-impact talent. Whether she re-signs beyond 2025 may depend on playoff success, team chemistry and the league’s next collective bargaining shifts.

The Liberty enter this contest after a disappointing 78-62 loss to the Atlanta Dream, a game where they were overpowered from start to finish. The absence of Ionescu and Stewart was evident, as New York struggled to generate offense and left glaring holes across the court.

Jonquel Jones tried to carry the load with 11 points and eight rebounds, while Kennedy Burke added 13 points and five boards. Still, the performances were not enough to lift the Liberty, who looked out of rhythm without their two leaders.

Will Ionescu and Stewart play?

Breanna Stewart is one of four players listed as questionable for New York’s meeting with Connecticut. Alongside Stewart, the Liberty also list Natasha Cloud, Sabrina Ionescu, and Isabelle Harrison as questionable. Ionescu sat out the loss to Atlanta with a foot injury, while Stewart has been sidelined since late July with a knee bone bruise.

Stewart’s status remains uncertain, but the questionable designation is at least a sign of progress. While her participation is in doubt, there is growing optimism that she could return to the WNBA bench soon, even if her minutes are limited.

Ionescu’s case is similar. Her return would provide a huge boost for New York, who are just 5-8 without Stewart this season. Ionescu was dominant in a win over the Minnesota Lynx last week, but her lingering foot issue suggests the Liberty may have to proceed cautiously.

The weight of the stars

Ionescu has been the Liberty’s offensive anchor this year, averaging 19.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while shooting nearly 40 percent from the field. Stewart has been equally vital, contributing 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, reinforcing her status as one of the most versatile forwards in the league.

The defending champions have endured a tough stretch with injuries trimming their depth, but Monday’s game offers a chance to reset. If either Ionescu or Stewart takes the floor against the Sun, the Liberty’s chances of bouncing back will immediately rise.

The Chicago Sky visit the Barclays Center to face defending champions New York Liberty. While All-Star forward Angel Reese recently returned to court, her presence isn’t guaranteed for tonight’s match.

According to the injury report, Reese is listed as probable, as she is coming out of a back injury that sidelined her for seven consecutive matches before returning against the Seattle Storm on Tuesday.

Reese posted 19 points in her team’s 94-88. “So happy to be back playing the game I love,” she wrote on her X account after playing 26 minutes on Tuesday. In total, she has missed 10 games this season, and she is averaging 4.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals.

The Sky can also recover Ariel Atkins (leg) and Hailey Van Light (ankle), who are also listed as probable for tonight’s match. It’s worth noting that their only confirmed absence is Courtney Vandersloot, who will miss the rest of the season due to a torn ACL.

New York Liberty vs Chicago Sky’s preview: How do the teams arrive?

New York, coming off an 85–75 victory over Minnesota, sits in second place and must continue piling up wins to secure that position. For this game, Isabelle Harrison (concussion protocol), Nyara Sabally (right knee), and Breanna Stewart (right knee) will all be out.

Chicago, on the other hand, has struggled this season, dropping eight of its last nine games. The Sky’s record is 8-26 this season, and they are in the bottom of the table with the Connecticut Sun.

The matchup between the Chicago Sky and the New York Liberty is set for tonight, August 21, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

In recent hours, the addition of Jaylyn Sherrod to the team coached by Cheryl Reeve has been confirmed, following her release by the Liberty on August 1st. According to the franchise’s official announcement, per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Sherrod’s acquisition in Minnesota brings a boost in quality, particularly through her defensive intensity — a key addition for a team with serious aspirations of capturing the title this season.

Joining the Lynx at 23 years old, the talented guard previously played two seasons with the New York Liberty. In her 28 games there, she averaged 1.5 points while shooting 38.2% from the field and 29.4% from three-point range.

Major roster moves for the Lynx

The Minnesota Lynx made a strategic move on Friday, officially signing forward Camryn Taylor to a seven-day contract. Taylor joins the team in a transitional period, with the signing reflecting the Lynx’s effort to address a need for depth and versatility in their frontcourt. The team is looking to evaluate her skills and potential fit during this short-term deal.

In a related roster change, the Lynx announced on Saturday that they have released guard Yvonne Anderson. Her departure comes after her own seven-day contract expired. Anderson, who brought experience to the backcourt, will no longer be with the team as they continue to refine their roster.

These roster moves highlight the dynamic nature of WNBA contracts, where short-term deals are common for teams looking to assess talent or address temporary needs due to injuries or scheduling. The signing of Taylor and the release of Anderson show the team’s ongoing efforts to build the most effective roster possible as they progress through the season.

What’s next for Minnesota?

With the goal of staying strong in the Western Conference, here are the next five matchups the Lynx will face in the short term:

• @ New York Liberty, August 10th
• vs New York Liberty, August 16th
• @ New York Liberty, August 19th
• @ Atlanta Dream, August 21st
• @ Indiana Fever, August 22nd

Breanna Stewart anchors the Liberty’s ambition in more ways than one. After leading New York to its first WNBA title, she’s back in Brooklyn on a deal that signals leadership, sacrifice and strategic investment from a true superstar.

Instead of locking into a long‑term max‑value arrangement, she opted for a shorter deal. It’s a move that underscores her willingness to prioritize team balance over individual gain in pursuit of sustained success.

This contract isn’t merely a formality—it symbolizes intent. It reflects how a generational talent leverages her standing to shape both her career trajectory and the Liberty’s path in a league still redefining its financial framework.

What is Breanna Stewart’s salary with the New York Liberty?

In 2025, Breanna Stewart earns $208,400, placing her at the top of the New York Liberty payroll and among the highest-paid players, according to Spotrac. Though eligible for the super‑max (up to ~$249,244), she agreed to a below‑max figure.

This shows a willingness to sacrifice salary for roster flexibility. Spotrac ranks her salary as Liberty’s highest average annual value, reflecting her status while enabling New York to pursue free agents and maintain cap health.

Breanna Stewart’s contract: How long does the deal last?

Breanna Stewart re-signed on March 29, 2025, agreeing to a one-year guaranteed contract under the WNBA’s “core” designation. Her decision to avoid long-term commitment speaks to a broader trend among veteran stars who prefer short-term security.

This marks her third consecutive single-season deal with the Liberty (including 2023 and 2024), a strategic choice allowing flexibility as the league navigates CBA negotiations and evolving broadcast deals.

In a league where voices matter as much as points, Natasha Cloud has carved her place as both a playmaker and a force for change. Her move to New York brings more than skill—it brings a fierce competitor with something to prove.

The guard’s game is built on court control and court vision. She led the WNBA in assists in 2022 and earned multiple All-Defensive nods. Her influence spans the locker room and the perimeter, sparking spoke-your-crown revival.

Off court, she has grown into a loud advocate—for social justice, athlete rights and activism through sport. With family rooted in Philadelphia and championship experience, she now anchors a Liberty side eager for repeat glory.

How old is Natasha Cloud?

Born February 22, 1992, in Broomall, Pennsylvania, Natasha Cloud is 33 years old and enjoying a pro career that has matured with purpose and power. Her years in the league include a WNBA championship (2019), leadership in assists (2022), and recognition as a defensive anchor.

How tall is Natasha Cloud?

At 5’10” (178 cm) and about 160 lbs, Natasha Cloud stands at ideal height for a lead guard—neither overwhelming in size nor diminutive in presence. Her frame allows her to see over defenses, dish with precision, and contest shots with physicality—even against taller wings.

Natasha Cloud’s love life and family

Natasha Cloud was previously married to professional softball pitcher Aleshia Ocasio from 2019 until their separation in 2022, a union that rarely surfaced in media but shaped her early professional years.

In early 2025, she began a relationship with fellow Liberty teammate Isabelle Harrison, which she has described as “the most beautiful, calming, sound thing” for her both personally and professionally.

Fans quickly embraced the couple, especially after she shared on social media that she intends to use her Skills Challenge winnings to help buy a home for her and Harrison—their love story now part of her identity on and off the court.

What is Natasha Cloud’s jersey number?

Natasha Cloud currently wears number 9 with the New York Liberty, a number her father encouraged her to wear since childhood—a symbol of happiness and success in the Cloud family legacy.

When she first entered the league, she wore No. 15 in Washington due to unavailability of No. 9. Later, in Phoenix, she sported 0, complete with a bespoke “cloud” design jersey for fans.

Natasha Cloud’s career highlights

• WNBA Draft Pick (2015): Selected 15th overall by the Washington Mystics after standout years at Saint Joseph’s and Maryland, she began her career quietly, with hustle and court IQ over raw talent.

• WNBA Champion (2019): Served as a defensive spark off the bench when the Mystics captured their first-ever WNBA title, becoming known for her hustle, leadership, and steady hand under pressure.

• Assists Leader and All‑Defensive First Team (2022): Led the league in assists and earned her first All‑Defensive First Team nod—a testament to her growth into a true two-way floor general.

• Skills Challenge Champion (2025): Captured the Skills Challenge at All‑Star Weekend with a winning time of 36.4 seconds, dedicating her prize money toward a house with her partner, Isabelle Harrison.

• High-Profile Trade to New York (2025): After a disappointing trade to Connecticut made public via Instagram, she proactively helped orchestrate a move to the Liberty, joining a team where she felt valued and positioned to thrive.

• Franchise Record Start and Leadership (2025): Instrumental in the Liberty opening 8–0—the best start in franchise history—she posted a record-setting +140 plus/minus through seven games, plus career-high assist and defensive metrics.

Natasha Cloud arrived in New York with the pedigree of a WNBA champion and years of experience leading from the backcourt. Her defensive edge and vocal leadership quickly made her an essential piece of the team’s ambitious chapter.

With double‑digit scoring and sharp playmaking, she brought balance to a roster stacked with stars, establishing herself as the steady veteran presence that New York Liberty needed to chase another deep playoff run.

Behind that vital role lies her contract, a deal reflecting her status as a proven leader. Structured to secure her place in the rotation, it represents both the trust in her and a key factor in shaping the franchise’s future roster decisions.

What is Natasha Cloud’s salary with New York Liberty?

Natasha Cloud’s current contract—a two‑year, $400,000 deal inherited from Phoenix—pays her $200,000 annually in both 2024 and 2025. All $400K is fully guaranteed, placing her among New York’s top earners, according to Spotrac.

In the hierarchy of the 2025 Liberty roster, her base salary ties with veterans like Tiffany Hayes and A’ja Wilson, reflecting her status as a tested two-way guard. While modest by superstar standards, her consistent pay acknowledges her decade-long impact.

Natasha Cloud’s contract: How long does the deal last?

New York acquired Natasha Cloud’s contract in a 2025 trade—her two-year agreement, originally signed February 1, 2024, runs through the 2025 WNBA season. No player or team options are included, as Sportskeeda reported.

Because her salary is fully guaranteed, she enters 2025 with financial stability and veteran status, offering roster and cap clarity for the Liberty as they build around star pieces.

As the 2025 season closes, she will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, with her performance and leadership likely influencing her next contract—and New York’s roster strategy.