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Liberty center Jonquel Jones exited Thursday’s 89-81 loss to the Mercury after re-injuring her right ankle.

The severity of Jones’ injury was not immediately known after the game.

“Obviously an unfortunate injury, isn’t it?” coach Sandy Brondello said. “Got near some people, but hopefully she’s OK.”

Jones got hurt at the 8:35 mark in the second quarter when she went for a layup in traffic.

Jones appeared to have landed on Sami Whitcomb’s foot before tumbling to the floor.

Jones looked to be in agony as she grabbed her right leg.

Whitcomb was whistled for the foul.

Jones’ teammates stood around her concerned.

Members of the team’s training staff kneeled beside her.

She walked off the court under her own power but went to the Liberty locker room for further examination.

Isabelle Harrison split a pair of free throws in Jones’ place.

It’s impossible for the Liberty to replace Jones, who means so much to the team on both ends of the floor.

Their rebounding and defense takes a hit whenever she’s off the floor.

Jones also plays an important part in the team’s offense as a screener and roller.

“JJ is about 20 points off the bat for us,” Natasha Cloud said. “That’s our big rebounder. Our big defensive protection behind us, so it’s unfortunate but we have everything that we need in this locker.”

Kennedy Burke saw Jones in the locker room after the game and said the 2024 WNBA Finals MVP was in as good of spirits as one can be after aggravating a previous injury.

“She’s fine,” Burke said. “She always has a good attitude when something happens.”

Jones had returned from a right ankle sprain one game prior after being sidelined for two contests.

Jones also missed a game earlier this season with an overextended hamstring.

In eight games this season, Jones is averaging 13.4 points and a team-high 10.3 boards per game.