League-leading Liberty bring gold into visit with Sparks

Field Level Media|published: Wed 14th August, 19:52 2024

Jul 13, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) is defended by Chicago Sky guard Lindsay Allen (15) during the first half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Liberty hit the road to face the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday night in the WNBA's return from its Summer Olympics break.

New York's Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, fresh off Team USA's 67-66 victory over France in the gold medal game on Sunday, will anchor the league-leading Liberty (21-4) in their third meeting against the Sparks this season.

Stewart and Ionescu, who are both projected to compete at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, were part of a USA women's basketball squad that captured its eighth straight gold medal.

"I know the 61 wins in a row is really impressive, but this one is special just for our group and what we've been able to accomplish in a short amount of time," Stewart said following Sunday's win. "Any time we have the opportunity to represent the USA, we have the biggest target on our back."

Ionescu, a guard, is averaging 19.8 points and 6.1 assists per game for the Liberty. Stewart, a forward, has averaged 19.3 points, nine rebounds and two steals per game.

The Sparks (6-18) are led by WNBA all-star Dearica Hamby. The forward is averaging 19.2 points, 10 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

Hamby, a member of USA's 3x3 women's basketball team at the Paris Olympics, secured a bronze medal alongside her teammates Cierra Burdick, Rhyne Howard and Hailey Van Lith.

USA beat Canada 16-13 in its final 3x3 game to bring home the bronze.

"What an accomplishment for Dearica and the rest of the USA 3x3 team. Watching Dearica lead with her resiliency, grit, fire and toughness while competing with honor was so much fun," Sparks general manager Raegan Pebley said. "Dearica has yet again given us another reason to be proud to have her represent the Sparks organization."

The Liberty won their first two contests versus the Sparks by 93-80 and 98-88 scores in June. New York has won nine of its last 11 games, while Los Angeles has fallen in 10 of its previous 13 contests.

New York is 9-3 on the road, and Los Angeles is 4-8 at home.

--Field Level Media

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