Full Breakdown
Liberty Stave Off Sparks’ Late Surge in Thriller
8/14/2026, 11:38:13 AM
The Game: Near Collapse Averted
On Thursday night the New York Liberty held off a furious Los Angeles Sparks comeback to win 85-81 at Barclays Center. New York built a 28-point advantage (69-41) early in the fourth quarter and appeared set for an easy victory. The Sparks answered with a 21-0 run that cut the margin to a single point with 21.7 seconds remaining. Sabrina Ionescu restored a three-point lead with two free throws and a final free throw with 3.2 seconds left, while Ariel Atkins missed a last-second three-pointer, sealing the win.
Key Performances
- Sabrina Ionescu – 20 points, including clutch free throws in the final minute.
- Rae Burrell – career-high 28 points, 20 of them in the fourth quarter.
- Jonquel Jones – 18 rebounds, anchoring the early lead.
- Rebecca Allen – praised the team’s defensive effort in the first three quarters.
The Sparks’ rally was sparked by a 21-point surge, highlighted by a reverse layup from Burrell that brought Los Angeles within one point.
Sabally Absence and Injury Context
Forward Satou Sabally has not played since the June 23 loss to the Las Vegas Aces, when she suffered a concussion after an elbow to the face. Her injury designation was changed from “concussion protocol” to “head” on August 12. Sabally, a marquee free-agent signing expected to form a “Big Four” with Ionescu, Stewart and Jones, has appeared in only 13 games this season, averaging 10.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists. Coach Chris DeMarco has emphasized that her health remains the priority and that she is taking time away from the team to recover fully.
Official Statements & Responses
On August 9, DeMarco affirmed that he expects Sabally back this season, though no specific timeline was provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We just kind of were on our heels a little bit,” — Sabrina Ionescu — Sabrina Ionescu, player
- “That was the best I felt, we felt collectively, as a team defensively.” — Rebecca Allen — Rebecca Allen, player
- “We let go of the rope a little bit,” — Chris DeMarco, coach — Chris DeMarco, coach
- “As with all our players, health will always be the focus,” — Chris DeMarco, coach — Chris DeMarco, coach
- “It's hard when it's taken away from you,” — Chris DeMarco, coach — Chris DeMarco, coach
- “We're really looking forward to getting her back and she will be back,” — Chris DeMarco, coach — Chris DeMarco, coach
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Liberty 85, Sparks 81.
- Liberty’s fourth-quarter lead: 69-41 before Sparks’ run.
- Sparks’ 21-0 run reduced the gap to 82-81 with 21.7 seconds left.
- Ionescu’s free-throw tally in the final minute: three.
- Burrell’s fourth-quarter output: 20 points.
Why It Matters
The win kept New York above the playoff cut line, maintaining an eighth-place standing with ten games remaining. The continued absence of Sabally, a versatile 6-foot-4 forward, leaves the Liberty reliant on a thin frontcourt and places additional pressure on Stewart and Jones to carry the load. As the regular season winds down, the team’s ability to finish strong without Sabally could determine whether it faces a top seed in the first round or secures a more favorable matchup.
