Liberty's Star Duo Shines
Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu Propel Liberty to 113-109 Victory Over Sparks
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Breanna Stewart scored 29 points and Sabrina Ionescu added 27 more as the New York Liberty beat the Los Angeles Sparks 113-109 on Tuesday night, according to The Facts. The Liberty trailed 56-53 at halftime before Stewart caught fire, pouring in 19 of her points in the second half to power the comeback win.
Stewart shot 11 of 19 from the field, according to Daily Gazette. Ionescu chipped in seven assists, four rebounds, and four steals. New York's reserves also played a key role, with Reekah Gardner leading a bench group that combined for 15 points.
Stewart's Second-Half Surge Flips the Script
The Liberty looked shaky in the first half. Los Angeles led 56-53 at the break, and New York had managed only 36 points through the first quarter. Stewart changed everything after halftime. She scored 19 of her 29 points in the second half, giving the Liberty the push they needed to pull ahead and hold on, according to CBS Sports.
Ionescu matched Stewart's output with 27 points of her own. She shot 9 for 16 from the field, according to CBS Sports. Together, the two stars combined for 56 points. That kind of firepower proved too much for the Sparks to overcome down the stretch.
Sparks Get Big Night From Burrell and Ogwumike
Los Angeles did not go down quietly. Rae Burrell was the Sparks' top scorer, finishing with 24 points. Nneka Ogwumike was equally impressive, posting 21 points and nine assists. That kind of production on both ends should have been enough to win most games, according to Post Register.
But the Sparks are skidding right now. Despite strong individual performances, Los Angeles could not close out the game. The four-point loss continued what has been a rough stretch for the team. Their defense could not stop Stewart when it mattered most in the final minutes.
Liberty Bench Provides Crucial Cushion in Close Game
In a game decided by just four points, New York's reserves made a real difference. Reekah Gardner helped lead a bench unit that scored 15 points for the Liberty, according to Winnipeg Free Press. Those points gave Stewart and Ionescu enough breathing room to work with down the stretch.
The Liberty needed every basket they could get. Los Angeles kept pushing and never trailed by more than a handful of points late in the game. New York's depth allowed their two stars to stay fresh and effective when the game was on the line.
What This Win Means for New York's Season
The Liberty came into this game as one of the top teams in the WNBA. A win on the road against any opponent matters, but pulling it out after trailing at halftime shows real grit. Stewart and Ionescu continue to prove they are one of the most dangerous one-two punches in the league, according to Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
For the Sparks, the loss deepens a tough stretch. Even with Ogwumike's 21 points and nine assists and Burrell's 24 points, Los Angeles could not get the win at home. The Sparks will need to find a way to close out games if they want to turn their skid around, according to Star Democrat.
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