No Sparks, just Liberty! | New York with 10 point win over LA
The New York Liberty showcased their prowess with a commanding 98-88 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks at home on Saturday afternoon. Despite a strong start by the Sparks and a tie at 31-31 in the second quarter, the Liberty's second-half performance was nothing short of a clinic.
Los Angeles remains winless on their grueling seven-game road trip, with their final game looming against the Phoenix Mercury, a team they have already lost to this season.
Dearica Hamby was a standout for the Sparks, scoring 20 points, grabbing six rebounds, dishing out five assists, and making three steals. However, foul trouble disrupted her rhythm. Kia Nurse contributed nine points, while Rickea Jackson and Li Yueru added seven and eight points, respectively. Off the bench, Rae Burrell scored nine points, and Zia Cooke set a career-high with 14 points. The Sparks are notably missing key player Cameron Brink, and their revised game plan struggled against the dominant Liberty.
Game Recap
The Liberty started the game with a bang, drilling three of their first seven three-point attempts to jump out to an early lead. The Sparks, however, eventually found their rhythm and made the game competitive. Hamby, who had been struggling offensively in recent games, started strong, while Nurse provided essential support.
A 17-4 scoring run gave the Sparks a four-point lead, but the Liberty responded with a 10-3 run to tie the game early in the second quarter. Despite New York seizing momentum, the Sparks managed to stay in contention. However, a quick 8-2 run by the Liberty at the end of the half pushed their lead to 10 points at halftime.
The Liberty, vying for the top spot in the league, demonstrated their determination with grit and fierceness on the court. They extended their lead to as many as 23 points in the third quarter, lighting up the Sparks with their shooting. The young Sparks continued to fight, cutting the deficit to 14 points entering the final frame.
Despite the Liberty's onslaught, the Sparks showed resilience, reducing the gap to 10 points. However, a decisive three-pointer by Sabrina Ionescu sealed the game for New York.
What Matters Moving Forward?
Consistent Deficits: The Sparks often find themselves in significant deficits early in games, forcing them to play catch-up. This trend is becoming a major issue as they struggle to keep up with stronger teams.
Impact of Injuries: The injury list may not be long, but the loss of Cameron Brink for the rest of the season is a considerable setback. Her absence has forced the team to revamp their game plan, which has not been successful thus far.
Aggression in the Paint: Opponents are exploiting the Sparks' lack of rim protection, becoming more aggressive in the paint. This vulnerability is something the Sparks need to address if they hope to improve their defensive performance.
Competitive Viability: The Sparks need to evaluate their capability to compete with quality teams. If their struggles continue, it might be time to consider focusing on rebuilding and eyeing potential lottery picks, such as Paige Bueckers.
Opportunities for Improvement: With more games ahead, the Sparks have the opportunity to clean up their turnovers, earn some wins, and build momentum. The upcoming period before the Olympic break will be crucial for the team's development and confidence.
