There is a new top dog in the world of women's basketball. Five years into her pro basketball career, Connecticut Sun Forward Jonquel Jones has won her first WNBA MVP trophy. The George Washington University graduate grabbed 48 of the 49 first-place up for grabs. Overall, she led all players with 487 voting points. Phoenix Mercury Center Brittney Griner finished in second with one first-place vote and 224 voting points. Seattle Storm Forward Breanna Stewart, Minnesota Lynx Center Sylvia Fowles and Washington Mystics Tina Charles rounded out the top five MVP finishers.
Jones was not alone on the winner's stage. Her teammate, Brionna Jones, was named the league's most improved player. Also, her coach, Curt Miller, took home coach of the year honors. After winning his award, Miller was open about how much Jones has meant to the team's success.
"What does it take [to be] an MVP-type player, not just a great player?" Miller asked, according to ESPN.
"It's her ability to continue to keep adding to her game and play both sides of the ball. She became more of a rim protector, and has established herself for a long time now as one of the premier rebounding players in the world."
Jones has not only been a force on the defense end of the floor. Over time, she has become a major force on the offensive end as well. This season, she has averaged 19.4 points and 2.8 points for the Sun.
"The offense has been written about a lot. She has incredible touch and the ability to play with her back to the basket. But what makes her special is her playing away from the basket and her ability to shoot the 3," Miller continued.
Jones will have an opportunity to put her game on display tonight as the Sun play the Chicago Sky in the 2021 WNBA Playoffs.
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