WNBA Wrap: Los Angeles Sparks Hit Buzzer-Beater To Extend Winning Streak

Rickea Jackson made a layup at the buzzer, lifting the Los Angeles Sparks to a dramatic 101-99 victory over the New York Liberty on Saturday, extending their winning streak to five games.

The Liberty played most of the game without Breanna Stewart, who exited with a lower leg injury just three minutes into the game. The team later announced that she would not return.

The two teams traded baskets repeatedly in the game’s final three minutes, with New York’s Sabrina Ionescu making a jumper with 23 seconds remaining to tie the score at 99.

After a foul with 5.9 seconds on the clock, the Sparks found Jackson, isolated in the post. She took one dribble before turning over her left shoulder to unleash the game-winner, the timing of which was confirmed by replay.

Jackson scored a team-high 24 points for Los Angeles (11-14), while Dearica Hamby and Azura Stevens both had 17-point double-doubles.

The Liberty (17-7) trailed by 15 at the end of the first quarter but were able to claw back into the game thanks largely to Ionescu, who finished with 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Natasha Cloud contributed 22 points and nine assists for the Liberty.

Balanced Mystics lock down Storm

Shakira Austin led a balanced attack with 14 points and 11 rebounds, Sonia Citron also had a double-double and the Washington Mystics leaned on defence and rebounding to beat the Seattle Storm 69-58.

Seattle shot just 32.8% from the field and 23.8% from 3-point range and were out-rebounded 44-28.

The Mystics also boasted a 42-30 advantage in points in the paint.

Citron had 11 points and 10 rebounds for Washington (12-12), while Sug Sutton and Brittney Sykes also scored in double figures.

Nneka Ogwumike led the Storm with 18 points, five rebounds and three assists. Erica Wheeler made a pair of 3-pointers to finish with 12 points.