Los Angeles Sparks End New York Liberty Streak with Buzzer-Beater Win

Rickea Jackson led the Los Angeles Sparks to a dramatic 101-99 victory over the New York Liberty with a buzzer-beating layup, capping off a game marked by intense back-and-forth action. Jackson scored a game-high 24 points and played a crucial role in the Sparks' fifth consecutive win, while Kelsey Plum contributed 20 points. The Liberty, who entered the game on a five-game winning streak, were without star Breanna Stewart after she left early due to a lower leg injury. Sabrina Ionescu led all scorers with 30 points and helped New York rally from a 15-point deficit in the third quarter to force a tie late in the game. The Sparks started strong with a significant lead by halftime, fueled by Jackson's 17 first-quarter points and multiple three-pointers. Despite New York's late comeback efforts and Ionescu's technical foul after disputing a call, Los Angeles held on for the win, improving their season record to 11-14, while New York fell to 17-7 but remained atop the Eastern Conference.