The last time the Sparks and Liberty met, it ended with Rickea Jackson hitting a cold-blooded buzzer-beater in Brooklyn, sealing a 101–99 Los Angeles win on July 26. Jackson’s shot silenced a packed Barclays Center and handed the Liberty one of their toughest losses of the season.
That night, Jackson finished with 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-6 from deep. Dearica Hamby added 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Azurá Stevens posted 17 points and 11 boards. Los Angeles shot 51.3% from the field and 40.7% from three, withstanding Sabrina Ionescu’s 30 points (12-of-22 FG) and Natasha Cloud’s 22. Jonquel Jones chipped in 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Breanna Stewart, limited to just over three minutes, scored only three points.
The Sparks’ celebration was short-lived in the bigger picture. New York didn’t forget the sting — and when the Liberty came to Los Angeles for the rematch, they arrived without Stewart but with a clear mission: execute their game plan, lock in defensively, and make sure history didn’t repeat itself.
Kelsey Plum opened the game with a three-pointer, and the Sparks came out shooting 68% in the first quarter, building a slim 30–28 lead. But from there, the Liberty’s preparation showed. They dared Los Angeles to finish at the rim, and the Sparks repeatedly missed layups that could have swung momentum. On the other end, New York found their rhythm from beyond the arc, punishing slow closeouts and defensive breakdowns.
Jonquel Jones anchored the interior with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Sabrina Ionescu controlled the offense with 16 points and 5 assists. Emma Meesseman stepped up in Stewart’s absence, scoring 24 points and exploiting the soft spots in L.A.’s coverage.
For the Sparks, Hamby led with 21 points, Stevens added 17 points and 4 rebounds, and Jackson contributed 16 points and 7 rebounds. Los Angeles shot 46.8% from the field and 29% from deep, but their inability to contain the perimeter and convert high-percentage looks inside left too many points on the table.
The rebounding battle finished even at 34–34, but the Liberty’s efficiency — 55.9% from the field and 50% from three — made the difference. By the final minutes, New York’s revenge was complete, closing out with balanced scoring and a level of poise that left no room for another Sparks miracle.
After the game, Hamby looked ahead:
“Just continue the momentum we’ve had the last 12 games. One game shouldn’t break us. We did a lot of things well, and we didn’t play our best basketball, but we have really important games coming up that we should win.”
Plum kept it simple:
“I think it came down to them scoring 105 points. 97 is a lot of points. In the past, the zone made us slow down a little bit, but tonight, we actually did a really good job for the most part.”
For the Sparks, it was a reminder that even the hottest starts can’t overcome defensive lapses and missed chances. For Liberty, it was proof that revenge isn’t about emotion — it’s about execution.
Los Angeles now hits the road for a two-game trip, facing the Dallas Wings on Aug. 15 before heading to the nation’s capital to take on the Washington Mystics on Aug. 17 — two critical matchups in the playoff race.
Born and raised in the heart of Compton, I’ve always had a soft spot for underdogs—those who fight with grit, heart, and determination. My passion for the LA Clippers runs deep because they mirror everything I stand for. Whether courtside or in the community, I proudly cheer for the team that reflects my story.
I am also the host of Black Love and Basketball – Compton Edition, a podcast blending the beauty of basketball and love from a feminine perspective.
Outside of basketball, I am a family law paralegal dedicated to helping families navigate challenges and stay together. Success may have a time frame for those who want you to fail, but I’ve learned to set my own clock. – Felicia Enriquez, also known as Mynt J.
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