LOS ANGELES -- That's why they play the games.
The Sparks led for most of the game and held off the New York Liberty in the end to score the upset victory, 94-88.
Los Angeles (7-24) played well on both ends of the court. They led by double digits in some points of the game and made the Liberty (26-6) turn the ball over 19 times, scoring 29 points off those turnovers.
"I think our practice yesterday, getting back to the basics and really focused in on defense," Coach Curt Miller said. "I'm just really proud of accomplishing the scheme that we wanted to try tonight against New York."
Dearica Hamby talked about why they seem to be getting up for the big teams but not for every other team.
Why do the Sparks seem to get up for the big teams but not for every other team? Dearica Hamby answers. @SportingTrib @FredoCervantes pic.twitter.com/nlraUjyFxQ
— 𝐑𝐞𝐲-𝐑𝐞𝐲 (@TheNoLookPass) August 29, 2024
"We've consistently shown three out of four quarters with any team," Hamby said, who scored 21 points. "We were the better team on the floor. But we haven't been able to close games so this is what we've been talking about, even in Dallas. Down the stretch, we emphasized we gotta close this game, we gotta close this game, we gotta get stops, we gotta get stops. So we just gutted it out."
Rae Burrell talked about staying ready.
Rae Burrell (who tied a career-best 18 points) talked about staying ready. @SportingTrib @FredoCervantes pic.twitter.com/N7KLRFK3Ms
— 𝐑𝐞𝐲-𝐑𝐞𝐲 (@TheNoLookPass) August 29, 2024
"We were just controlling what we can control. I have that tattooed on me," Burrell said, who scored 18 points, which tied a career-high. "Just controlling your attitude, the extra work you put in, and just staying ready. Just make sure to continue to be a good teammate and staying engaged, for when your number is called. Just know that you put in that work to be ready for those moments."
Rickea Jackson once again got off to a great start, scoring 15 of 19 points in the first half. The Sparks shot .515 overall to counter the Liberty's .508.
Breanna Stewart scored 32 points, although most were off the last push in the final minutes of the game. Sabrina Ionescu did score 18 but was 3 for 14 (.214) from deep.
As mentioned in the preview, it was about putting it all together and that anything was possible if they could do that. The Sparks did that and got the win that stopped their seven-game losing skid.
The Sparks will attempt to repeat this feat when they face the Atlanta Dream on Sunday at home.