--- title: "Ogwumike's Buzzer-Beater Stuns Liberty in WNBA Classic" description: "On a night celebrating league history, the veteran forward delivered an iconic game-winner to seal a dramatic one-point victory for the Sparks." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/nneka-ogwumike-hits-a-buzzer-beating-3-as-the-sparks-beat-th-4e3e3b43 published: 2026-06-22T09:56:25.588+00:00 updated: 2026-06-22T09:56:25.588+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # Ogwumike's Buzzer-Beater Stuns Liberty in WNBA Classic > On a night celebrating league history, the veteran forward delivered an iconic game-winner to seal a dramatic one-point victory for the Sparks. Nneka Ogwumike authored a signature moment for the ages, draining a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to deliver the Los Angeles Sparks a stunning 98-97 victory over the New York Liberty. The veteran forward's clutch shot capped a back-and-forth thriller on a night celebrating the WNBA's history, marking the anniversary of the league's inaugural game. Ogwumike finished with 24 points, including the decisive three, while the Liberty's Breanna Stewart led all scorers with 28 points in a valiant effort that fell heartbreakingly short. With seconds remaining and the Sparks down two, the ball found Ogwumike beyond the arc. She rose and fired over the outstretched arm of a defender, the shot swishing through the net as time expired to ignite a wild celebration at Crypto.com Arena. The Liberty had taken a 97-95 lead moments earlier on a pair of Sabrina Ionescu free throws, setting the stage for the dramatic finish. The game's final sequence underscored the razor-thin margins in the WNBA. The Liberty's defense, which had been solid throughout the contest, switched on the final play, leaving Ogwumike just enough space to get her shot off. The Sparks' execution in the final seconds, inbounding the ball and finding their star in rhythm, was a clinic in late-game poise under immense pressure. This victory also serves as a critical data point in the Sparks' season trajectory. Beating a powerhouse like New York, a team many peg as a title favorite, provides tangible proof that Los Angeles can compete with the league's elite. For a Sparks roster blending veteran leadership with emerging talent, this win could function as a catalyst for confidence and cohesion moving forward. 'It's a surreal feeling,' Ogwumike said postgame. 'On a night that honors the foundation of this league, to be able to make a play like that for my team, for this franchise... it's special. We showed a lot of heart.' Liberty coach Sandy Brondello lamented the final defensive sequence, stating, 'We had a chance to get a stop and we didn't. Credit to Nneka. That's what great players do.' What's next: The victory provides a monumental momentum boost for the Sparks, serving as a statement win against a top-tier Eastern Conference contender. The Liberty must regroup quickly from the gut-wrenching loss as both teams continue their push in a tightly contested WNBA season. ## Why this matters Buzzer-beaters are the moments that define seasons and cement legacies. For Nneka Ogwumike, a former MVP and cornerstone of the Sparks, this game-winner adds another iconic chapter to her storied career. For the league, it was a perfect, dramatic showcase on the anniversary of its first game, highlighting the elite talent and thrilling competition that has driven the WNBA for nearly three decades. ## Frequently asked ### What was the final score of the Sparks vs. Liberty game? The Los Angeles Sparks defeated the New York Liberty 98-97 on Nneka Ogwumike's buzzer-beating three-pointer. ### Who scored the game-winner for the Sparks? Veteran forward and former league MVP Nneka Ogwumike hit the game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to secure the victory. ### Why was this game historically significant? The game was played on the anniversary of the WNBA's first-ever contest, adding a layer of historical weight to the dramatic finish. ### How many points did Nneka Ogwumike score? Ogwumike finished the game with 24 points, including the decisive three-pointer as time expired. ### Who was the leading scorer for the New York Liberty? Breanna Stewart led the Liberty with 28 points in the losing effort. ## Sources & Citations - [Nneka Ogwumike hits a buzzer-beating 3 as the Sparks beat the Liberty 98-97](http://www.espn.com/wnba/recap?gameId=401857011) — ESPN (2026-06-22) --- Cite: Ogwumike's Buzzer-Beater Stuns Liberty in WNBA Classic. Sportopod, 2026-06-22. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/nneka-ogwumike-hits-a-buzzer-beating-3-as-the-sparks-beat-th-4e3e3b43