WASHINGTON — Despite losing Jonquel Jones with an injury early, the reigning champion Liberty remained undefeated Thursday as they beat the Mystics 86-78.
The Liberty improved to 8-0 on the season — the best start in franchise history.
But this is only the beginning.
“Obviously, 8-0 is great, but that’s not what our goal is,” Sabrina Ionescu said. “[We’re] going to take every single game and take it one by one and continue to try to get better.”
Breanna Stewart had 26 points and 11 rebounds, and Kennedy Burke remained a force off the bench, adding 12 points after going 4-for-4 from deep.
Breanna Stewart, who scored a game-high 26 points, shoots a jumper over Kiki Iriafen during the Liberty’s 86-78 win over the Mystics on June 5, 2025. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Ionescu also added a few more accomplishments to her impressive résumé.
Her pair of 3s increased her career total of 3-pointers made to 401.
Not only did Ionescu surpass Crystal Robinson for the Liberty’s all-time record, but she also became the fastest player to eclipse 400 triples in league history, needing just 151 games to do so.
The Liberty won despite Jones leaving in the first quarter with a right ankle injury.
She appeared to roll her right ankle on a layup.
Jonquel Jones is tended to by a team trainer after injuring her right ankle in the Liberty’s win over the Mystics. She did not return to the game. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
She collapsed to the floor, where she laid in agony while the game continued on the opposite side of the floor.
When play stopped at the 2:56 mark, her teammates and several Liberty staffers swarmed her.
It was clear that Jones was in pain.
She ultimately was assisted off the floor and went back to the locker room for further assessment.
For the first time since the season opener, the Liberty were down at the end of the first quarter.
Sabrina Ionescu, who scored 13 points, dribbles up court during the Liberty’s win over the Mystics. BAE via Getty Images
But the Mystics’ five-point lead didn’t last long.
Without Jones, the Liberty outscored the Mystics 32-12 in the second quarter and led by 15 at the break.
The Mystics, led by Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, never allowed the Liberty to get too comfortable.
They trimmed a 16-point deficit to four with less than a minute to go in the fourth.
But Stewart went 3-for-4 from the free throw line in the final minute to secure the win.
Washington star Kiki Iriafen, who scored a team-high 17 points, shoots over Breanna Stewart during the Liberty’s win over the Mystics. NBAE via Getty Images
As excited as the Liberty were with the win, concern for Jones lingered in the depths of CareFirst Arena.
Coach Sandy Brondello said Jones tried to return at halftime but was still in pain.
“Let’s hope that it’s not too bad that it’ll keep her out,” Brondello said.
Whether Jones will be sidelined beyond Thursday is unclear.
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An update is expected by Sunday.
The Liberty return to action Tuesday when they host the Sky at Barclays Center.