GAME HIGHLIGHTS

TEAM NOTABLES

In their second and final matchup of the 2021 regular season, the New York Liberty (11-14) fell to the Los Angeles Sparks (10-13), 83-86, officially splitting their head-to-head two-game slate this season.

At Barclays Center, New York finished on 41.3% (26-63) shooting from the field, 45.7% (16-35) from three, and 83.3% (15-18) at the free throw line. New York’s 16 made three-pointers set a new franchise record, surpassing their previous record (15) set on July 5, 2021 against the Dallas Wings.

In a contest that saw four lead changes and six ties, New York finished with 34 rebounds, five of which were offensive, 23 team assists, seven steals, and two blocks.

The Liberty tallied 20 points in the paint and capitalized on 12 points off the Sparks’ 10 turnovers.

PLAYER NOTABLES

Five Liberty players scored in double figures in tonight’s game (Howard, Whitcomb, Allen, Ionescu, Laney).

For the second-consecutive game, Natasha Howard finished with a double-double. In her fourth game back in the Liberty lineup, she recorded 17 points on 46.2% (6-13) shooting, including 50% (2-4) from deep, 11 rebounds, and three steals. Howard has scored 10+ points in all six of her games this season.

2021 Most Improved Player Award candidate, Sami Whitcomb, scored 17 points and shot 41.7% (5-12) from deep. Her 17-point performance was further complimented by her four rebounds and two assists. With 2:21 remaining in the contest, Whitcomb went down with a left ankle sprain. She will receive an MRI tomorrow.

For the third consecutive game, Rebecca Allen scored in double figures off the bench. She finished with 15 points on 71.4% (5-7) shooting, including 83.3% (5-6) shooting from behind the three-point arc, five assists (season-high), and three rebounds.

Sabrina Ionescu finished with 12 points, including two triples on 40% (2-5) shooting from deep, six assists and four rebounds. This is her 13th game scoring in double figures this season.

With her seven-assist first half, Betnijah Laney tied her career-high for assists in a first half. Entering the contest ranked in the top-10 in the league in assists per game, Laney dished out five-plus assists for the 14^th time this season. Laney was held scoreless until the 3:31 mark of the third quarter. Despite a slow scoring start, Laney finished with 10 points, a game-high nine assists, and four rebounds.

L.A.’s Erica Wheeler led the Sparks in scoring tying for the game-high with her 17-point performance. Her 17 points came on 46.7% (7-15) shooting from the field. She also finished with five assists and four rebounds.

Nneka Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver both finished with 16 points. Ogwumike added a team-high six assists and five rebounds, while Toliver also finished with three assists and two rebounds.