---
title: "Ogwumike's Buzzer-Beater Writes Perfect Ending to WNBA's Origin Story"
description: "In a rematch of the league's first game, Nneka Ogwumike's last-second three-pointer gives the Sparks a dramatic win over the Liberty, linking past and present."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/ogwumike-s-3-pointer-at-the-buzzer-lifts-sparks-past-liberty-0c4a7556
published: 2026-06-22T11:13:26.508+00:00
updated: 2026-06-22T11:13:26.508+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["basketball"]
---

# Ogwumike's Buzzer-Beater Writes Perfect Ending to WNBA's Origin Story

> In a rematch of the league's first game, Nneka Ogwumike's last-second three-pointer gives the Sparks a dramatic win over the Liberty, linking past and present.

Nneka Ogwumike drained a three-pointer as time expired to deliver the Los Angeles Sparks a dramatic victory over the New York Liberty, a win that served as a historic bookend to the WNBA's origin story.

The game was a direct rematch of the league's inaugural contest from 1997, adding a layer of legacy to a classic, back-and-forth battle on the Sparks' home court.

The final sequence saw Ogwumike receive the inbounds pass and launch a contested shot from beyond the arc, which found nothing but net as the buzzer sounded, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and capping a thrilling comeback effort.

The shot instantly became a signature moment for the veteran star and a perfect capstone to a night celebrating the league's history.

What's next: The victory provides a massive momentum boost for the Sparks as they navigate the heart of the season, while the Liberty will look to regroup from a heartbreaking loss.

The game's historical symmetry ensures it will be replayed for years to come as a defining moment linking the WNBA's past and present.

## Why this matters

This wasn't just another regular-season win. The game's framework—a rematch of the very first WNBA game—transformed a buzzer-beater into a symbolic full-circle moment for the league. Ogwumike's clutch shot provides a tangible link between the WNBA's founding era and its modern stars, creating an instant classic that underscores the league's growth and enduring drama. It's a victory that resonates far beyond the final score.

## Frequently asked

### What was the significance of this particular Sparks-Liberty game?

This matchup was a direct rematch of the WNBA's first-ever game, played in 1997 between the same two franchises. The historical parallel added profound weight to the dramatic finish.

### How did Nneka Ogwumike score the game-winning shot?

Ogwumike caught an inbounds pass and launched a contested three-pointer as the final seconds ticked away. The shot went through the net as the buzzer sounded, securing an instant victory.

### Was this a comeback win for the Los Angeles Sparks?

Yes, the game was a back-and-forth affair, and Ogwumike's buzzer-beater capped a late surge to complete the comeback for the Sparks on their home floor.

## Sources & Citations

- [Ogwumike's 3-pointer at the buzzer lifts Sparks past Liberty](https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/49141150/ogwumike-3-pointer-buzzer-sends-sparks-liberty) — ESPN (2026-06-22)

---

Cite: Ogwumike's Buzzer-Beater Writes Perfect Ending to WNBA's Origin Story. Sportopod, 2026-06-22. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/ogwumike-s-3-pointer-at-the-buzzer-lifts-sparks-past-liberty-0c4a7556