Liberty Edges Sparks in Close Contest as Los Angeles Honors Milton-Jones' Legacy

The New York Liberty defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 113-109 in a tightly competitive matchup at Crypto.com Arena, while the host franchise simultaneously honored one of its championship-era legends during an emotional halftime ceremony. Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu recorded 14.8 points and 4.1 assists per game as part of a balanced New York offensive effort that improved the team's record to 15-12 following their final games before the All-Star break.

The Contest

The Liberty arrived in Los Angeles having won their final two games before the All-Star interval, while the Sparks entered the matchup dealing with significant injury challenges and a five-game losing streak. New York's first half had been marked by inconsistency—the team claimed the Commissioner's Cup but endured a stretch of eight losses in ten games from mid-June through mid-July. Despite these fluctuations, the Liberty maintained depth across their roster, with forward Breanna Stewart averaging 21.1 points and All-Star center Jonquel Jones contributing 14.8 points and 9.2 rebounds nightly. The Liberty remain without guard Satou Sabally due to a concussion and forward Leonie Fiebich sidelined by a foot injury.

Los Angeles continued awaiting the return of point guard Kelsey Plum, who has been absent since late June with a lower-leg injury. The Sparks expect her to return in early August. Forward Nneka Ogwumike led Los Angeles with 17.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, while Dearica Hamby added 14.8 points and Erica Wheeler provided 5.1 assists per outing. The Sparks had defeated New York in their first meeting this season, recording a home victory on June 21.

Milton-Jones Honor

The Sparks ceremony recognized DeLisha Milton-Jones, a foundational figure in the franchise's championship legacy. Milton-Jones, drafted fourth overall in 1999, spent six seasons with Los Angeles and helped the team capture back-to-back WNBA titles in 2001 and 2002. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and former University of Florida standout earned the nickname "D-Nasty" from coach Michael Cooper for her aggressive on-court demeanor—a stark contrast to what she describes as her off-court "Sunshine" personality characterized by empathy and consideration.

Beyond her Los Angeles tenure, Milton-Jones built an accomplished international resume, winning the Euroleague Championship with a Russian club and repeating the feat three years later with a Czech team. She also competed in the American Basketball League before her WNBA career. During the 2001 WNBA Finals, Milton-Jones averaged 17 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Her contributions to women's basketball extended to her college years at Florida, where she earned SEC Player of the Year in 1997 and the Wade Trophy, among numerous other accolades.