Quick Read
- The New York Liberty defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 105-97, setting a season-high in scoring.
- Emma Meesseman led the Liberty with 24 points, while Kelsey Plum scored 26 for the Sparks.
- Key injuries and defensive struggles hindered the Sparks’ performance.
- Sandy Brondello achieved her 100th career win as Liberty’s head coach.
On August 12, 2025, the New York Liberty delivered an electrifying performance at the Crypto.com Arena, securing a season-high 105-97 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. The win not only avenged their narrow July 26th loss to the Sparks but also snapped Los Angeles’ three-game home win streak. Despite playing with a depleted roster, Liberty’s offensive precision and dynamic ball movement proved too much for the Sparks, who were vying to climb into the eighth playoff spot.
A Record-Breaking Night for the Liberty
The Liberty’s offensive display was nothing short of spectacular. Shooting an impressive 55.9% from the field and a stellar 50% from beyond the arc (14-for-28), New York set a season-high in scoring. Emma Meesseman led the charge with a season-best 24 points, complemented by Jonquel Jones’ 24 points and 11 rebounds. Leonie Fiebich added 20 points, while Sabrina Ionescu chipped in 14 points and six assists. Natasha Cloud played a pivotal role in the final minutes, scoring crucial layups to extend Liberty’s lead to 102-91 late in the fourth quarter.
Despite missing key players like Breanna Stewart, Isabelle Harrison, and Nyara Sabally due to injuries, the Liberty showcased their depth and resilience. Coach Sandy Brondello’s strategic adjustments were evident as the team executed flawlessly on both ends of the court. The victory also marked Brondello’s 100th career win as Liberty’s head coach, tying her with Richie Adubato for the most wins in franchise history, according to Outlook India.
Sparks Struggle to Contain Liberty’s Firepower
For the Sparks, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. Coming off a stretch of strong performances, including a 9-3 record in their last 12 games, Los Angeles entered the game with momentum. However, their defensive lapses against the Liberty’s sharpshooting proved costly. The Sparks allowed New York to dominate from the perimeter, with the 14 three-pointers marking the most they’ve conceded to any opponent this season, as noted by The Sporting Tribune.
Kelsey Plum led the Sparks offensively with 26 points, while Dearica Hamby contributed 21 points, eight rebounds, and four steals. Azurá Stevens added 17 points, and Rickea Jackson scored 16. Despite these efforts, the Sparks’ inability to generate stops in critical moments highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities. “I think it came down to them scoring 105 points,” Plum admitted postgame. Coach Lynne Roberts echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for better defensive execution.
Key Turning Points in the Game
The game began with a promising start for the Sparks, who scored 30 points in the first quarter. However, their momentum stalled in the second quarter, where they managed only 14 points. The Liberty capitalized on this lull, building a lead they would not relinquish.
One significant setback for the Sparks was the loss of forward Cameron Brink, who exited the game in the first half due to an ankle injury. Brink’s absence left a noticeable gap in the Sparks’ interior defense, allowing Liberty’s bigs like Jones and Meesseman to dominate in the paint. As Daily News reported, Brink’s ongoing minutes restriction, stemming from her recovery from knee surgery, remains a challenge for the Sparks.
In the final stretch, the Liberty’s composure and execution stood out. Natasha Cloud’s back-to-back layups and Ionescu’s timely basket sealed the victory, showcasing the team’s championship pedigree. For the Sparks, the inability to sustain defensive intensity in the closing minutes underscored their struggles.
Looking Ahead
Despite the loss, the Sparks remain optimistic about their playoff chances. With 12 games left in the regular season, including a crucial matchup against the Dallas Wings on Friday, the team has ample opportunities to regain momentum. “One game shouldn’t break us,” said Hamby. “We’ve got three really important games coming up that we need and should win.”
For the Liberty, the victory serves as a confidence booster as they aim to solidify their playoff positioning. With key players expected to return from injury in the coming weeks, the defending champions are poised to make another deep postseason run.
As the WNBA season heads into its final stretch, both teams will need to address their respective challenges to achieve their goals. For the Liberty, it’s about maintaining their offensive rhythm, while the Sparks must shore up their defense to secure a playoff spot.