LIBERTY FLIP THE SWITCH: NY’s 32-Point 3rd Quarter Buries LA
STEWART & CO. DELIVER: Liberty Shake Off Slump With Gritty Home Win
Liberty Bounce Back With Dominant Second Half to Defeat Sparks
By NWO SPARROW
BROOKLYN NY - The New York Liberty (12-5) shook off recent struggles with a statement 89-79 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks (5-13) on Wednesday night, using a blistering 32-point third quarter to take control of the game. Natasha Cloud led the charge with a season-high 23 points and 7 assists, while Breanna Stewart dominated the glass with 17 points and 14 rebounds for her third double-double of the season.
After a tight first half that saw Los Angeles take a slim 41-37 lead, the Liberty erupted after halftime, tying their season-high for points in a quarter (32) while shooting 63% from the field. Sabrina Ionescu caught fire in the second half, scoring all 17 of her points on near-perfect efficiency (6-8 FG, 2-2 3PT). Kennedy Burke added lockdown defense with a season-high 3 blocks while knocking down four threes, showcasing her growing two-way impact. Dearica Hamby paced the Sparks with 25 points, but Los Angeles had no answer for New York’s balanced attack as the Liberty’s starting backcourt of Cloud and Ionescu combined for 43 points.
Key Takeaways & Milestones
Coach Sandy Brondello earned her 92nd regular-season win, tying Bill Laimbeer for 2nd-most in franchise history. Ionescu passed Sue Wicks for 14th on Liberty’s all-time steals list (159). The Liberty continue to lead the WNBA in scoring (87.6 PPG) and steals (8.9 SPG).
Vocal Opinion: Liberty’s Resilience Shines Through Adversity
After a rocky stretch that included five losses and a heartbreaking defeat to Atlanta last week, the Liberty proved why they remain championship contenders—by responding with focus, not panic. While other teams might crumble under the weight of expectations, New York’s veterans steadied the ship. Cloud played with controlled aggression, Stewart anchored the defense, and Ionescu delivered when it mattered most.
What separates this team isn’t just talent—it’s their ability to recalibrate. There’s no finger-pointing after losses, just quiet adjustments. Cloud’s leadership, Stewart’s poise, and Ionescu’s clutch gene all surfaced when needed. The Liberty aren’t chasing regular-season glory; they’re building for October. And if this game proved anything, it’s that their championship DNA is still very much intact.
Liberty's Growing Pains: Chemistry Still Developing Amid Roster Changes
While the New York Liberty have shown impressive focus this season, their recent losses—including last week’s close defeat to the Atlanta Dream—suggest that the team’s new-look lineup is still searching for its rhythm. Though the talent is undeniable, the offseason additions and adjusted rotations have yet to fully click in high-pressure moments. The Liberty’s occasional offensive stagnation and defensive lapses, particularly in late-game situations, hint at a group still building cohesion. With championship expectations weighing on them, New York’s margin for error is slim, and their recent inconsistencies reveal that chemistry isn’t built overnight—even for a roster this stacked.
Injury Woes Add to Challenges: Missing Laney & Jones
The absence of Betnijah Laney (hamstring) and Jonquel Jones (ankle) in the Dream loss exposed some of the Liberty’s depth concerns. Laney’s two-way versatility and Jones’ interior presence were sorely missed, particularly in containing Atlanta’s paint attacks and secondary scoring. Without them, the Liberty lacked their usual defensive stability and offensive balance, forcing others into unfamiliar roles. While the team has enough star power to weather short-term absences, their recent struggles serve as a reminder that health—and the time needed to build chemistry with a reshaped roster—could be the biggest hurdles between them and another title run.
Next Up: The Liberty head to Phoenix to face the Mercury on Saturday, while the Sparks host the Chicago Sky.
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About the Creator
NWO SPARROW
NWO Sparrow — The New Voice of NYC
I cover hip-hop, WWE & entertainment with an edge. Urban journalist repping the culture. Writing for Medium.com & Vocal, bringing raw stories, real voices & NYC energy to every headline.
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