Nneka Ogwumike secured a dramatic 98-97 victory for the Los Angeles Sparks over the New York Liberty with a buzzer-beating three-pointer on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena. The game marked a symbolic rematch of the WNBA’s inaugural contest 26 years earlier, honoring the league’s history and the pioneering players who helped establish women’s professional basketball.

Ogwumike, a 10-time WNBA All-Star, led the Sparks with 24 points on 11-of-18 shooting, while her teammates Dearica Hamby, Erica Wheeler, Kelsey Plum, and Ariel Atkins each contributed double-digit scoring. Guard Rae Burrell added 19 points off the bench. The Sparks overcame a 17-point deficit and a two-game losing streak to topple the Eastern Conference’s second-ranked team.

Los Angeles head coach Lynne Roberts emphasized the team’s resilience and positive mindset despite the absence of Cameron Brink, who remains sidelined with an ankle sprain. Roberts underscored the importance of Plum’s return after missing one game due to a leg injury. The four-time All-Star finished with 12 points and seven assists, extending the Sparks’ perfect 6-0 record in games where she registers six or more assists.

New York led for much of the contest, with strong performances from Breanna Stewart, Satou Sabally, Leonie Fiebich, and Jonquel Jones, who collectively scored 63 points. However, Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu struggled throughout and finished with just two points. Roberts noted New York’s physical presence and versatility in rotating players like Jones and Stewart into ball-handling roles, highlighting the challenge the Sparks faced against a “talented roster” anchored by multiple Hall of Famers.

The halftime break featured a tribute honoring WNBA legends such as Lisa Leslie and Teresa Weatherspoon, recognizing their contributions to the league’s growth. Leslie addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude for the ongoing support of women’s basketball.

The Sparks regained momentum in the second half, fueled in part by a performance from rapper Warren G after the third quarter. Ogwumike’s late-game heroics capped a spirited comeback, sending the home crowd into jubilation.

Sunday’s game was as much a celebration of the WNBA’s history as it was a competitive matchup, offering fans both nostalgia and thrilling basketball to close the night.