Breanna Stewart drained a late 3-pointer and added a crucial assist as the New York Liberty defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 113-109 on Tuesday. The victory, fueled by strong performances from Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, marked a positive start to the second half of the season for the Liberty.
Stewart led the team with 29 points and seven assists, while Ionescu contributed 27 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Their combined offensive output was critical in securing the win, which saw the Liberty overcome an early deficit and hold off a late surge from the Sparks.
Stewart's pivotal 3-pointer with 3:33 remaining in the fourth quarter capped a 12-4 run, extending the Liberty's lead to 11 points, their largest of the game. Despite the Sparks rallying to cut the lead to four points, a clutch corner 3-pointer from Rebecca Allen, assisted by Stewart, ultimately sealed the victory.
The Liberty's bench also provided a significant advantage, outscoring the Sparks' reserves 41-19. This strong support from the secondary unit was a key factor in the team's ability to maintain their advantage.
The game served as a measure of redemption for the Liberty, who had lost a previous meeting with the Sparks in late June. In that earlier contest, New York squandered a 17-point second-half lead, ultimately falling on a buzzer-beater. That loss was part of a difficult stretch where the Liberty lost eight of 10 games.
New York entered the All-Star break with momentum, having won consecutive one-point games. Ionescu, who had been hampered by injuries earlier in the season, appeared to be regaining her form. However, the team's defense showed vulnerabilities, particularly against the Sparks' zone, and has struggled in the absence of Leonie Fiebich, who has been out for over three weeks with a foot injury.