TEAM NOTABLES

On Sunday, the New York Liberty (19-6) defeated the Los Angeles Sparks (9-16), 87-79, in the opener of their 2023 three-game season series.

At Crypto.com Arena, the Liberty finished on 45.7% (32-70) shooting from the field, 44.1% (15-34) from three, and 72.7% (8-11) at the free throw line.

As New York closes out the month of July with a 9-2 record, today’s 87-79 victory cemented the Liberty’s franchise-record 16^th-consecutive game of 80-plus points this season.

Up Next: The New York Liberty will remain in Los Angeles to take on the Sparks again in the second game of their two-game set on Tuesday, August 1 at 10 p.m. ET.

KEY RUNS

Q1: New York opened the game on a 21-2 run through the 2:52 mark of the opening quarter. This includes a 17-0 run from the 7:31 mark of the first to the 2:52 mark of the quarter.

Q2: Los Angeles went on an 8-0 run from the 9:12 mark of the second to the 7:13 mark of the quarter.

Q3: New York went on a 13-5 run from the 8:54 mark of the third to the 4:45 mark of the quarter. Los Angeles answered with a 10-2 run from the 4:45 mark of the third to the 0:05 mark of the quarter.

Q4: Los Angeles went on a 15-0 run from the 4:45 mark of the fourth to the 1:47 mark of the final quarter.

PLAYER NOTABLES

New York finished with four double-digit scorers in today’s game (Stewart, Johannès, Ionescu, Jones).

Breanna Stewart finished with a game-high 25 points on 50% (9-18) shooting from the floor, including 33.3% (3-9) from three, eight rebounds, three blocks, and two assists. She dropped 13 of her 25 points in the third quarter.

With her second three-pointer at the 9:23 mark of the third, Stewie became the second player in WNBA history to record at least 500 points, 200 rebounds, and 50 threes through their team’s first 25 games. She joins Maya Moore, who did so during her MVP season in 2014.

Highlighted by a career-high five first-half threes on a perfect 100% (5-5) from deep, Marine Johannès totaled 15 points off the bench on 62.5% (5-8) shooting from the floor, including 71.4% (5-7) from deep.

Sabrina Ionescu added 14 points on 40% (4-10) shooting from the field, including 57.1% (4-7) from three, six rebounds, and five assists.

Jonquel Jones finished with 13 points on 50% (5-10) shooting from the field, a game-high 13 rebounds, and a season-high-tying three assists, notching her fifth double-double in the last six contests and seventh of the season.

For Los Angeles, Dearica Hamby finished with 21 points and six rebounds, while Jordin Canada added 17 points and four assists.