New York Liberty secured an 85-81 WNBA victory over the Los Angeles Sparks at Barclays Center on Thursday, with Sabrina Ionescu’s 20 points helping them withstand a 40-point fourth-quarter response. Jonquel Jones supplied the pivotal interior presence with 18 rebounds as New York held firm to claim the result and improve to 21-14.
Liberty build enough of a cushion
New York’s first three quarters provided the platform for a hard-earned home result. The Liberty led 21-16 after the opening period and extended their advantage with a 28-16 second quarter, taking a 49-32 interval lead. An 18-9 third period then moved the home side 67-41 clear heading into the final quarter.
Los Angeles did not let the match drift away. The Sparks produced 40 points in the fourth quarter, compared with New York’s 18, to turn the closing stages into a genuine test. Rae Burrell led that response with a match-high 28 points, but the Liberty had assembled enough of a margin to see out the result.
Rebounds and free throws shape the result
The teams were level on 22 assists and each made 32 field goals, underlining how fine the margins were across the full match. Los Angeles shot the more efficient percentage from the court at 47.1%, while also making 10 three-pointers to New York’s seven.
New York found its edge through possession control and work at the line. The Liberty won the rebounding battle 41-36 and converted 14 of 18 free throws; the Sparks went 7-for-13. Jones was central to that control, pulling down 18 of New York’s 41 rebounds.
Key performers
Ionescu paced the Liberty with 20 points, providing the home side’s leading scoring contribution. Jones added 11 points to her 18 rebounds in a commanding all-around display, while Breanna Stewart contributed five assists.
For Los Angeles, Burrell’s 28 points gave the visitors a major attacking outlet. Nneka Ogwumike collected 11 rebounds and Erica Wheeler supplied six assists as the Sparks rallied late, but they ultimately fell to 12-21.
NerdSports Stat: Los Angeles scored 40 points in the fourth quarter—one fewer than its combined total across the first three quarters—yet New York’s 67-41 advantage entering the period proved just enough.
What the result means
The Liberty move to 21-14 overall and 12-5 at Barclays Center, strengthening their position in the WNBA race. The Sparks drop to 12-21 after a competitive road effort. Neither side’s next fixture was included in the available match data, so attention now turns to their upcoming schedule announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
No soccer-style goal scorers or scoring minutes were recorded in this WNBA match. Sabrina Ionescu led New York with 20 points, while Rae Burrell led Los Angeles with 28 points.
New York Liberty 85 – 81 Los Angeles Sparks.
New York improved to 21-14, while Los Angeles fell to 12-21. Exact league positions were not supplied in the match data.
Jonquel Jones was the standout performer with 11 points and 18 rebounds.
