This week’s most anticipated matchup in the WNBA wasn’t just about two of the strongest teams in the league going head-to-head. As the Connecticut Sun play their final season before relocating to Houston, the franchise chose this night to honor the New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones by retiring her jersey.

Now, this is definitely a rare gesture for a player still active in the league, but even more unusual given she now plays for the very team they were facing. But for Jones, this moment was deeply personal.

“Connecticut has a really special place in my heart,” she said, as per Madeline Kenney. “I am sad to see the team leave from here, but I am happy I have all of the memories.”

Drafted 6th by LA in 2016, Jonquel Jones was acquired by Connecticut’s Curt Miller in exchange for Gray and two picks. Jones requested a trade in 2022, joining the New York Liberty, where she is currently averaging 13.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists for the 2026 season.

But it was in Connecticut where she truly built her legacy. As per the WNBA, in her six seasons with the franchise, she:

• Led the Sun to two WNBA Finals appearances (2019, 2022), turning them into consistent contenders.
• Won the 2021 WNBA MVP.
• Developed into a two-way anchor, earning multiple All-WNBA and All-Defensive Team selections.
• Became a statistical cornerstone of the franchise, ranking among the Sun’s all-time leaders in points (8th) and blocks (1st).

With the franchise set to relocate to Houston next season and begin a new chapter as the Houston Comets in 2027, this year has been framed as a farewell season in Connecticut. So as a part of that transition, the Sun chose to honor several key figures who shaped the organization’s history, with Jonquel Jones being the first of six former players and coaches recognized this summer.

Alongside the 32-year-old’s jersey retirement, the franchise will also honor Alyssa Thomas, Jasmine Thomas, Tina Charles, as well as former head coaches Curt Miller and Mike Thibault.

But what’s worth noting is that while the ceremony clearly meant a lot to her, Jones had to stay on the sidelines when it came to the game against her former team.

Jonquel Jones Night Turns Sour for Sun

While there was no doubt fans were excited to see Jones suit up against the very team honoring her, that anticipation quickly faded after she was ruled out of the game just hours before tip-off due to illness.

That meant instead of stepping onto the floor on a night honoring her legacy, Jones had to watch the game unfold from the sidelines. But even without her, the Liberty still found a way to take control of the game and give the Sun their 11th loss of the season.

The Liberty started Han Xu in Jones’ place, and she took the responsibility of her role very well. The 6-foot-11 center recorded fourteen points and six rebounds. However, the real difference came from Breanna Stewart.

Stewart controlled the game as soon as it began and finished the night with a game-high 28 points and nine rebounds. It was because of her that every time the Sun tried to close the gap, the Liberty stayed comfortably ahead.

New York improved to 8-4, extending their winning streak to five. But the season is far from over, and they will now take on the Atlanta Dream in what will be a matchup between the two best teams in the Eastern Conference.