On July 3, 2025, the New York Liberty defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 89-79 in an electrifying WNBA regular-season game at Barclays Center. With 11 lead changes and 8 ties, this matchup showcased elite performances from stars like Natasha Cloud and Dearica Hamby. Below, we dive into the player stats, pivotal moments, and team breakdowns to give fans a complete recap of this thrilling contest. Whether you’re searching for WNBA game stats, Liberty vs. Sparks highlights, or player performances, this article has you covered.
Match Overview
- Sport: Basketball
- League: WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association)
- Matchup: Los Angeles Sparks vs New York Liberty Match Player Stats
- Date: July 3, 2025
- Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
- Result: New York Liberty won 89–79
Game Recap: Liberty Pull Away in Third Quarter
The New York Liberty (2025 WNBA season contenders) faced a determined Los Angeles Sparks squad in a game that remained neck-and-neck through the first half. The turning point came in the third quarter, where the Liberty outscored the Sparks 32-18, driven by Natasha Cloud’s scoring outburst and a stifling team defense. Despite a late rally from Los Angeles, New York’s clutch plays, including a dagger 3-pointer from Leonie Fiebich, sealed the 89-79 victory.
This game highlighted the Liberty’s depth and star power, even without Jonquel Jones, while the Sparks showed resilience behind Dearica Hamby’s all-around brilliance. Let’s break down the player stats and key moments that defined this WNBA showdown.
New York Liberty Player Stats and Standout Performances
The Liberty’s balanced attack featured several players stepping up in critical moments. Here are the top performers:
- Natasha Cloud: 23 points (7-for-12 FG), 4 rebounds, 7 assists. Cloud’s 11 points in the third quarter sparked New York’s game-changing run, cementing her as the game’s MVP.
- Breanna Stewart: 17 points, 14 rebounds (double-double), 4 assists, 2 steals. Stewart’s dominance on both ends kept the Sparks’ defense guessing.
- Sabrina Ionescu: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 7 turnovers. Despite some miscues, Ionescu’s scoring and playmaking were vital.
- Kennedy Burke: 12 points, started in place of the injured Jonquel Jones, providing energy and scoring off the bench.
- Leonie Fiebich: Hit a crucial 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, fresh off her EuroBasket stint.
- Marine Johannes: 6 points (2-for-3 3PT), 2 rebounds, 1 assist in 11 minutes. Her highlight-reel 3-pointer and no-look pass electrified the crowd.
Team Stats:
- Field Goals: 27/56 (48.2%)
- 3-Pointers: 5/19 (26.3%)
- Free Throws: 20/26 (76.9%)
- Rebounds: 32 (4 offensive)
- Turnovers: 17
- Fouls: 16
The Liberty’s third-quarter surge and balanced scoring overwhelmed the Sparks, showcasing why they’re a top WNBA playoff contender.
Los Angeles Sparks Player Stats and Key Contributors
The Sparks leaned on Dearica Hamby’s stellar performance but struggled to match New York’s intensity in the second half. Here’s how their key players fared:
- Dearica Hamby: 25 points (10-for-15 FG), 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks. Hamby’s near double-double kept the Sparks competitive.
- Kelsey Plum: 13 points (2-for-10 FG). The sharpshooter had an off night, limiting LA’s perimeter threat.
- Julie Allemand: 10 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds in 37 minutes. Returning from EuroBasket, Allemand provided stability at point guard.
- Julie Vanloo: Made her Sparks debut, playing 2 minutes with no notable stats.
Team Stats:
- Field Goals: 30/70 (42.9%)
- 3-Pointers: 12/30 (40.0%)
- Free Throws: 17/19 (89.5%)
- Rebounds: 32 (9 offensive)
- Turnovers: 13
- Fouls: 18
The Sparks’ impressive 40% three-point shooting kept them in the game, but defensive lapses in the third quarter proved costly.
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
- Third-Quarter Dominance: The Liberty’s 32-18 third-quarter advantage, led by Natasha Cloud and Sabrina Ionescu, flipped a tight game into a double-digit lead.
- Leonie Fiebich’s Dagger: Fiebich’s fourth-quarter 3-pointer quashed the Sparks’ comeback hopes, showcasing her clutch gene.
- Marine Johannes’ Flair: Johannes’ no-look pass and deep three off the bench energized the Barclays Center crowd and boosted team morale.
- Dearica Hamby’s All-Around Game: Hamby’s relentless scoring, rebounding, and defense nearly kept the Sparks in contention.
Why This Game Matters for the 2025 WNBA Season
The Liberty’s victory reinforces their status as a WNBA powerhouse, with depth and star power shining through despite Jonquel Jones’ absence. Natasha Cloud’s emergence as a clutch performer and Breanna Stewart’s consistent excellence make New York a formidable playoff threat. For the Sparks, Dearica Hamby’s dominance is a building block, but they’ll need more consistency from Kelsey Plum and others to climb the standings.
This game also highlighted the impact of international players like Fiebich and Allemand, fresh off EuroBasket, adding a global flair to the WNBA’s competitive landscape.
Where to Find Full Box Scores and Highlights
For detailed box scores, advanced stats, or video highlights, check trusted sources like:
- ESPN (wnba.espn.com)
- FOX Sports (foxsports.com)
- Basketball-Reference (basketball-reference.com)
- WNBA Official Site (wnba.com)
These platforms offer comprehensive player and team stats, play-by-play breakdowns, and game recaps for fans craving more data.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Liberty and Sparks?
The Liberty will aim to maintain their momentum as they chase a top seed in the 2025 WNBA playoffs. With players like Stewart, Ionescu, and Cloud firing on all cylinders, they’re poised for a deep postseason run. The Sparks, meanwhile, will look to build around Hamby’s versatility and hope for a bounce-back from Plum as they fight for playoff contention.
Final Thoughts
The July 3, 2025, clash between the New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks was a showcase of WNBA talent, with Natasha Cloud, Breanna Stewart, and Dearica Hamby delivering standout performances. The Liberty’s third-quarter dominance and clutch plays secured the 89-79 win, but the Sparks’ resilience kept fans on the edge of their seats. For the latest WNBA updates, player stats, and game highlights, stay tuned to ESPN, FOX Sports, or the WNBA’s official site.
