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Sparks Erase 17-Point Deficit, Win on Ogwumike Buzzer Three

6/22/2026

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Summary

Ogwumike Wins Buzzer

Los Angeles Sparks erased a 17-point deficit to beat New York Liberty 98-97 with a buzzer-beating three-pointer.
Nneka Ogwumike scored the winning three-pointer and finished with a season-high 24 points on 11-of-18 shooting.
Rae Burrell added 19 points off the bench and hit two free throws in the final seconds.
Erica Wheeler scored 15 points and hit a three that tied the game at 84.

Summary

WNBA Celebrates

The June 21 game marked the WNBA’s 30th anniversary and rematched the league’s inaugural 1997 contest.
A halftime ceremony honored legends Lisa Leslie and Teresa Weatherspoon, with Leslie saying players never took a day for granted.
Warren G performed after the third quarter, energizing the Crypto.com Arena crowd.
Sparks coach Lynne Roberts said the team’s “process” continued despite Cameron Brink’s ankle sprain.

History

Historical Context

On June 21, 1997 the WNBA opened with the New York Liberty defeating the Los Angeles Sparks 67-57, launching an eight-team league that crowned the Houston Comets champion that season. Stars such as Cynthia Cooper and later Lisa Leslie propelled the Sparks to titles in 2001-02, laying a foundation that made the 2024 comeback win over Liberty a milestone of the league’s three-decade evolution.

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Ogwumike Wins Buzzer

Los Angeles Sparks erased a 17-point deficit to beat New York Liberty 98-97 with a buzzer-beating three-pointer.
Nneka Ogwumike scored the winning three-pointer and finished with a season-high 24 points on 11-of-18 shooting.
Rae Burrell added 19 points off the bench and hit two free throws in the final seconds.
Erica Wheeler scored 15 points and hit a three that tied the game at 84.

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