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Liberty Beat Sparks 85-81 as Ionescu Hits Clutch FTs

8/14/2026

47 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Burrell Leads Victory

New York Liberty defeated Los Angeles Sparks 85-81 at Barclays Center.
Sabrina Ionescu contributed 20 points and made the final free throws.
Rae Burrell recorded a career-high 28 points, scoring 20 of them in the fourth quarter.
Cameron Brink left the game after a rib hit and was evaluated by doctors.

Summary

Sabally Out

Satou Sabally remains out after her June 23 head injury and was listed with a “head” designation on Aug 12.
She signed a two-year, $1.67 million contract in the 2026 offseason but has missed 13 of the Liberty’s 34 games.
Coach Chris DeMarco says the eighth-place team (20-14) will not rush Sabally back, noting her return could affect playoff seeding while Leonie Fiebich’s imminent comeback may bolster the frontcourt.

History

Historical Context

The WNBA began in 1997 with eight franchises, and the New York Liberty posted a 17-11 record before falling 65-51 to the Houston Comets in the league’s first championship. Since that inaugural showdown, the league has grown to 15 teams, but the Liberty’s 2026 campaign again hinges on star talent and staying healthy to echo their early-era run.

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Burrell Leads Victory

New York Liberty defeated Los Angeles Sparks 85-81 at Barclays Center.
Sabrina Ionescu contributed 20 points and made the final free throws.
Rae Burrell recorded a career-high 28 points, scoring 20 of them in the fourth quarter.
Cameron Brink left the game after a rib hit and was evaluated by doctors.

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