Liberty’s late rally not enough against Sparks as Breanna Stewart’s injury hangs over loss

The New York Liberty suffered a heartbreaking 101-99 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks when Rickea Jackson made an improbable underhand flip shot at the buzzer while closely guarded by Stephanie Talbot. Liberty players Leonie Fiebich and Sabrina Ionescu called the game-winning shot "lucky," as Jackson scored with her back to the basket just before time expired.

Despite losing star player Breanna Stewart to a lower leg injury just 6:38 into the first quarter, the Liberty mounted a fourth-quarter comeback from 15 points down to tie the game. Their five-game winning streak ended due to defensive breakdowns, costly turnovers, and rebounding lapses. Talbot—signed just days earlier—was defending Jackson on the final play but couldn't prevent the basket. Fiebich noted defensive delays throughout the game, stating, "We were just a second too late."

Liberty coach Sandy Brondello provided no update on Stewart's injury postgame, only expressing hope for her recovery. Stewart, averaging 19 points this season, had been the team's consistent focal point amid multiple injuries to key players including Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (out for the year), Jonquel Jones, Nyara Sabally, Natasha Cloud, and Isabelle Harrison.