- 7 weeks ago
Category
🥇
SportsTranscript
00:01ДИНАМИЧНАЯ МУЗЫКА
00:30...at each other, and she is able to drain the three on her.
00:32New York, four of five from three in this third.
00:35Burrell, no.
00:37Ogumike, the rebound.
00:39The putback is good for Nekka Ogumike.
00:42There you go.
00:42There's Vintage Nekka, just the great bounce and fade
00:45when she gets a touch inside.
00:49Always think about her putback in game five of 2016
00:53in the finals to win it.
00:55Those epic finals against Minnesota.
00:57One of the best offensive rebounders in the history of the league
01:00is Nekka Ogumike.
01:01Just gets right to that spot, bounces up with it.
01:05Yeah, one of the iconic moments in the history of this league
01:09was her putback.
01:11Laura Siegler back into the game,
01:13making her WNBA debut, scored her first WNBA points
01:17earlier in the game.
01:20Siegler, the turn, and lays it in.
01:22And a beautiful delivery from Plum and Siegler, the finish.
01:26They found their one mismatch there
01:28where Siegler being defended by Unesco, took advantage.
01:34Here's Febisch on the drive.
01:36The kick, Stewart, extra feed, gets it back.
01:39Off to Saboli.
01:40She'll take.
01:41Can't hit.
01:43Jones flying in, and is going to get called for the offensive foul
01:46as Siegler had the box out on her.
01:50But if you're New Yorker, if you're thrilled with the shot
01:53that you got in the ball movement initially,
01:55and John Quill Jones attacking the glass, great box out.
01:58Great box out by Siegler.
01:59And that's a foul that you don't mind one of your players getting
02:02because it's just being aggressive, attacking the glass.
02:06You know, Siegler had one of the most beautiful perspectives,
02:11I thought, from a player who's transferred that I heard.
02:14She went from St. Joe's to Louisville.
02:16We were talking to her in the Sweet 16, and she said,
02:19I still love that school.
02:21I love my coach.
02:22I love everything about it.
02:23But I just knew for me to take the next step
02:26and try and fulfill my pro dreams
02:29that this was the right move for me.
02:31But I still go back and feel like I'm a part of the program.
02:33And then she loved her one year at Louisville,
02:35and it did do what she hoped it would,
02:37hence her being on the floor here tonight.
02:41Plum can't hit.
02:43Pastier.
02:46Off to Stewart.
02:51Pastier on the drive, stopped.
02:55Johannes working behind Jones.
02:58Johannes, the nifty attempt, couldn't finish it.
03:02There comes L.A. with numbers.
03:04Four on three the other way.
03:05Burrell squeezing between two.
03:07Couldn't finish it, didn't get the whistle.
03:09New York, Johannes, a three.
03:12No.
03:13Rebound, banged around.
03:15Another chance for New York.
03:17This time, Johannes going to give it up.
03:19The Liberty, a plus 11 on the glass.
03:23Stewart battling Atkins, and it tumbles out of bounds.
03:29So, you know, Marine Johannes coming down,
03:31and Christo Marco said she moves differently than anyone else in the league.
03:36Burrell fired up that she didn't get a foul called on that take to the rim.
03:42Well, this year, I can understand expecting a foul on that,
03:47because we have seen on drives, and it started to move back a little bit,
03:52but, you know, a lot of times on drives, you're just touched,
03:54and early on it was a foul.
03:56Plum can't hit that three.
03:58Rare inefficient game from three for Plum.
04:01She's one of five, as Stewart serves it in.
04:06New York with 18 assists thus far.
04:10We talked about it before.
04:11Highest assist percentage in the league.
04:13They assist on 71% of their field goals.
04:18Oh, Burrell, the crossover, the hesitation.
04:22Ogumike putting it on the deck.
04:24The leaner is good.
04:27Straight cash there for Nekka Ogumike.
04:33A 69-56 lead for New York over L.A.
04:39Pauline Astier fended off with the left, finish with the right.
04:51Ogumike has the last six for L.A.
04:53Plum cups, banks, plus the foul,
04:56and a chance for three for Kelsey Plum.
05:00Her knack for getting touches in the paint,
05:02getting around the rim,
05:03even if it's splitting two defenders,
05:05which is what she does here.
05:07So good, Ryan, once she picks the ball up,
05:10of protecting it.
05:10You know, there's hands coming from both sides.
05:13Johannes Jones there as well,
05:15and just no problem.
05:17Just takes care, secures the ball, and finishes.
05:2211 points so far tonight for Plum.
05:25Now averaging 25 on the season.
05:27Only two players have ever averaged 25 or more for a season.
05:35Asia Wilson back in 2024,
05:37and Diana Taurasi back in 2006.
05:41There have been 50-40-80 players,
05:45but never before we had a 50-40-80
05:47who attempts as many threes as Plum does.
05:53Johannes curls the pass.
05:55Stewart leans in.
05:56Couldn't finish it.
05:57Good contest from Hamby.
05:59Here's Plum.
06:00Trapped again in the backcourt.
06:02Gonna have to get it across.
06:03It does with a push pass to Burrell.
06:06And then catching her breath.
06:07They're making Plum work hard,
06:09bringing the ball up the floor.
06:11Hamby on the block.
06:12Squeezes between two.
06:13Couldn't finish it.
06:15Then a frustration foul.
06:17And she slaps down on Feebish.
06:22New York misses the shot,
06:23but Plum gets picked up right here.
06:25Stewie's there.
06:26Astier's there.
06:27They're just paying her so much attention,
06:30getting it close to the eight-second call.
06:32They know how vitally important.
06:34New York knows how vitally important Plum is
06:36to the Sparks' success,
06:37and they are making her work.
06:39Their offense, especially just craters with Plum on the bench.
06:45Here's Astier through the lane with the left.
06:48Gets fouled.
06:49And Pauline Astier will shoot two.
06:55L.A. getting a little frustrated with the officiating.
06:58This was the last play.
07:01And afterwards, that's a foul.
07:05That's a foul.
07:10And I always like when the officials give space for it.
07:13Now, there was no magic words there either,
07:15but give space for a reaction before you team.
07:17Agree.
07:18Hey, taking a look at the upcoming WNBA national TV schedule,
07:21USA Network Monday, Phoenix at Indiana,
07:25USA Tuesday, Vegas Post, New York.
07:28For more on these games, please go to WNBA.com
07:31or visit the WNBA app.
07:33Tonight, the first of our women's sports Sundays,
07:37which we will have throughout the season
07:41and through August.
07:44We have 12 live events, the WNBA and the NWSL.
07:49Something we're really excited to bring to Sundays
07:52and Sunday nights here on ESPN next week.
07:55We'll have it for you with these New York Liberty
07:58taking on the Valkyries in the Bay.
08:02Yeah, date next week.
08:04Yeah.
08:04For everybody who wants to watch some women's hoops.
08:06That's right.
08:06Put it on your calendar.
08:07One week from today.
08:08Yeah.
08:09Here's Plum.
08:10Gets the space.
08:11Can't hit.
08:12On Shue using 6'11 to fingertip that board.
08:16Plum now one of six from three.
08:23Here is Allen.
08:26Shue, great pass.
08:28Stewart blew the bunny, but a terrific pass inside by Shue.
08:35Burrell got fouled and finishes.
08:38Plus the foul.
08:43I mean, Ray Burrell can score from three.
08:46She's got terrific quickness.
08:48This is 6'2 player with these handles, protecting the ball,
08:52going and finishing with that contact.
08:55Lynn Roberts telling us, you know, she is an elite athlete
08:58and she's kind of learning how to play with those skills,
09:01making better decisions as well.
09:04Using her speed more efficiently is one of the ways she described it.
09:10As Burrell completes the three-point play.
09:14Liberty with an 11-point lead.
09:16They've led by as many as 17.
09:19Plum gets a breather for L.A.
09:21as that's out of bounds off the leg of Wheeler.
09:26You know, we saw Jason Sudeikis here before
09:28with Daisy and Otis, his two children.
09:32Mind just to say, happy Father's Day.
09:34There they are.
09:35Daisy and Otis, the legendary comedian Morgan Murphy there as well.
09:39But happy Father's Day to all the dads out there.
09:42Happy Father's Day.
09:44Happy Father's Day to you, Ry Rooks.
09:46I mean, I was wondering if you were going to say it.
09:48Thank you.
09:51Here's Allen burying the three.
09:59As you know, there's nothing better than having little ones.
10:01That's true.
10:04I have big ones now.
10:05I know, they're really big.
10:06That's good, too.
10:07That's, that also is awesome.
10:09Hamby, short on a three.
10:16Hamby lays it in with the left hand.
10:18And the L.A. getting a second chance opportunity there.
10:30Honshu.
10:31No, I mean, this is unbelievable.
10:34It's just so often that you see the Liberty with a size advantage on the glass
10:40and able to take it into either an O-boarder or a foul.
10:45And here's Erica Wheeler.
10:46So she's a guard.
10:46She's trying to do the right thing.
10:48She's trying to box out.
10:49But the size difference is just so great.
10:52The only thing you can do is foul.
10:58That's brutal.
10:58But she's battling.
10:59Wheeler is absolutely battling, just like we saw Plum in that first half.
11:03It's still entertaining, though, to watch a little, for me, as a big.
11:06Yeah.
11:07To watch a little, try to box out a big.
11:12That won't go.
11:13Hamby the rebound.
11:15Up ahead to Burrell.
11:16Quick first step there from Ray Burrell.
11:18Wiggling into the lane.
11:19Got fouled.
11:20Wanted a whistle a few possessions ago.
11:22Now has gotten a couple.
11:24And Burrell is going to shoot, too.
11:26One of the things I just love is Burrell was down on the ground.
11:29And the second the whistle was blown, her teammates just sprinted right over to help her up.
11:33They recognize how hard she's playing.
11:39You just see it here.
11:40Burrell goes down.
11:41There's, like, there's two hands.
11:43Two more are coming.
11:44Erica Wheeler was at the top of the key, sprinted in.
11:52Ariel Atkins in for Siegler.
11:55One of two active players born on this date.
11:58Happy birthday to Ray Burrell.
12:00Sidney Taylor has had a couple incredible shooting games of late.
12:03The other.
12:04So, happy birthday to Sidney as well.
12:08And happy birthday to the league.
12:13We'll have to celebrate today.
12:14That's right.
12:15Fathers, the league, birthdays.
12:19Nasty A.
12:20Whoa, hey, now.
12:22Was aiming for row five with that pass.
12:26I think she hit her target.
12:29L.A. making a little push here.
12:31Two for one opportunity if they hurry.
12:36Burrell cups it, hooks it, can't finish it.
12:40About a two-second difference game in shot clock.
12:43Astier loses it.
12:45And, oh, my goodness.
12:47Okay, they're going to call that foul on Astier.
12:50Ray Burrell and I were both perplexed when it was initially ruled on her,
12:55but the officials quickly corrected.
12:58And after Astier lost it, you can see she pushes Burrell.
13:02Great effort by Burrell this entire game,
13:04but we're seeing it in spades here in the third quarter just on the offensive end,
13:10the way she's attacking the paint defensively there,
13:12picking up, causing the turnover and foul.
13:15I mean, you see what she's capable of.
13:18She's an incredible talent.
13:21And having a tremendous third quarter.
13:26Feels like this could certainly be her breakout season from this, you know, moment forward.
13:32And L.A. has been able to make this push with Plum on the bench.
13:36Here's Burrell.
13:38Four of four from the line, up to 13 points.
13:41Make it 14, and it is now an eight-point game.
13:45Liberty led by as many as 17.
13:49Shot clock turned off.
13:55Saboli had 11 in the first half.
13:57Gets a score here in the third.
13:59Loses it.
14:00Hamby the steal.
14:01With time, Wheeler will lay it in.
14:06It's a six-point game.
14:09Astier gets it ahead.
14:12Saboli the fling, and that is how the third quarter will end.
14:23And wow, what an opportunity to hug people, sign autographs.
14:29I mean, it cost me nothing to be kind.
14:31It makes people happy.
14:32And I love having the honor of being a role model.
14:35And I know Dee understands that.
14:38I mean, we played ball.
14:39We picked it up because we love the opportunity to play.
14:43But the impact we get to have is the reward.
14:46You've had a chance to spend some time around some of your former teammates.
14:50What's this weekend been like for you just in that regard, getting to be around your sisters again?
14:54A whole lot of laughter.
14:56So many stories retold in just moments that, you know, being on the bus as the Sparks score again.
15:05But being on the bus, having those opportunities, you know, in the dark times, you know,
15:12when we know how hard it was to get to those championships.
15:15And I think it's those moments and those conversations that I love most.
15:18How about this league, Lisa?
15:20I mean, we heard and we saw the feature with you and Rebecca looking back at the first game
15:23and then the sit down with Hannah.
15:26But how about this league and the way it's grown?
15:30What do you feel when you see where the league is at today, knowing you were at the very start
15:35of it?
15:36You know, Ryan, honestly, the confidence that I have in these women and what they've been able to do with
15:41the CBA,
15:42also what the president has been able to do in order to get our league where we are.
15:48It's taken everybody.
15:49And the hard work and the dedication that these women have to this game,
15:52the product that they put out on the floor is so amazing.
15:55And I'm just really thankful for all the sponsors out there,
15:58the sponsors who finally figured it out in a way to support women's basketball in a way that it had
16:03not been before.
16:04And I believe that success, along with the television deals,
16:07is really the biggest difference maker for these women to have the opportunity
16:10in the platform to make it even larger than what it ever was.
16:14You know, you talk about that, and I thought one of the interesting things
16:16in your conversation with my partner over here was you saying that the tunnel fit,
16:22that was something you had kind of thought about,
16:24just knowing the marketability of these women at the start.
16:29You saw it.
16:30You knew how marketable these women were.
16:32You knew what great representatives they would be for any brand.
16:36And now seeing that really blossom here today in today's league.
16:39I love it.
16:40I was always into fashion and into basketball, and I thought, why can't you do both?
16:44Yeah.
16:45Why can't we both be seen as beautiful and strong and powerful as well as tough out on the court?
16:51And the dichotomy of that, being able to change from being tough and physical to a beautiful outfit,
16:56is what I love.
16:57And I felt like that is part of representation also.
17:00And I just wish that more brands saw that, whether it's skin care, whether it was toothpaste,
17:04whether it was hair products or shampoos, I mean, we could do and market anything.
17:09And so I'm just happy that we got to a point where brands recognize that.
17:13And these women are beautiful.
17:15They have some of the most beautiful bodies in the world.
17:17And my mom used to always tell me, girls, do not complain, because that is your best body at that
17:2124 to 34.
17:22You know, you don't realize before you have kids.
17:24It's like, oh, my God.
17:26And so those are those moments that I love that the brands have been able to do that.
17:30And these women have been able to move it to the next level.
17:34And I just love that when we were taking pictures, you know, like an hour before the game or something
17:39on an orange carpet type thing, I could ask Lisa, Lisa, how am I supposed to stand here?
17:44I got you.
17:45I got you.
17:46You got me.
17:46Yes.
17:47I love it.
17:47And I think the sisterhood is something that we talked about, the fact that we pour into one another
17:52beyond just basketball, but also in life and supporting each other.
17:56Some of us are moms, and you have teammates that help you with the baby and carrying the baby.
18:00And now that feels like aunties that are all on the bus.
18:02Like, we literally grow up together, and we pour into each other in a way that you almost don't see
18:08to see the camaraderie year after year.
18:10And so for me to have played for this organization here in L.A., my whole career, it's really been
18:15an honor
18:15to try and carry this torch as far as I could with the most class and dignity that I could.
18:22Well, Lisa, it was a joy to watch you.
18:25It's amazing to listen to you, and thank you so much for being here today.
18:29Congratulations on the anniversary and continued success to you in this league.
18:34And I just want to say thank you to the both of you because, Rebecca, for you to have the
18:37opportunity to be the voice of the WNBA, you've done such an amazing job continuing to carry
18:43on our game and the legacy of it.
18:45People don't understand that that's a huge pressure that you are always under, and you've
18:50done it with such grace, and I'm just happy to call you a friend, a teammate, and it's
18:54been a blessing to share this stage with you.
18:56Thank you so much.
18:57Beautiful words.
18:58Thank you so much, Lisa.
18:59Thank you, honey.
19:00That is Lisa Leslie, the Hall of Famer, joining us here for the 30th anniversary game between
19:06the Liberty and the Sparks.
19:07I forgot one thing.
19:08Happy Father's Day.
19:09And it's my husband at home who's there and my son.
19:12Just all the fathers and dads out there.
19:14We thank you for all the girl dads who are out there that support us.
19:17We couldn't do it without you.
19:18So thank you.
19:19Love you, babe.
19:20Beautifully said, Lisa.
19:22Thank you so much.
19:23And happy Father's Day.
19:24Thank you.
19:24Thank you.
19:25Shout out to Evie and Remy who are absolutely asleep at home right now.
19:3284-79, Liberty in front of the Sparks with 6.20 to go in this fourth.
19:41Terrific getting to chat with Lisa Leslie.
19:44Her poignant, beautiful thoughts about this day, this league, and how about this game?
19:50Things tightening up in L.A.
19:53A three-point game timeout, New York.
19:59The WNB.
20:00This incredible league tipped off June 21st, 1997.
20:06Just doesn't feel that long ago to me.
20:08Yeah.
20:09But for young people, I understand that it does.
20:14How about L.A.?
20:15Down 17 with seven to go in the third.
20:17They've now cut it to three.
20:20Shot clock at six.
20:23Gardner looking for an angle.
20:26Had nothing going.
20:27The whole possession.
20:28And then Jones gets called to the foul.
20:31And it's Sparks basketball.
20:34You know, New York Liberty is coming off of a loss.
20:36And after that loss, Coach Chris DiMarco, as you see here, another great possession of defense by the Sparks.
20:42Chris DiMarco said, we have to continue to learn how to play with the lead, not turn the basketball over
20:48when it matters.
20:49Get quality shots when it matters.
20:51And they're struggling with that a little bit here again during this Sparks run.
20:58Here's Plum.
21:00Plum dancing, dishing, 10 to shoot.
21:05Wheeler.
21:06Penix.
21:07Tie game at 84.
21:16First tie of the night.
21:19The 17-point lead for the Liberty is gone.
21:26Gardner stumbling through it again.
21:29Phoebus back to her.
21:31Two to shoot.
21:32Her three won't go.
21:35L.A. last led when it was 7-6.
21:42Wheeler trapped.
21:43Pops it to Hamby.
21:44Stewart on the steal.
21:51He's got a steal.
21:58Stewart.
21:59A little reticent to shoot the three.
22:020 for four in a struggle this season.
22:04Going to drive it.
22:05Phoebus will take.
22:07Can't hit.
22:08Don Paul Jones, the old board.
22:10Nuzzles in.
22:11And we have a jump ball with 4.27 to go in this fourth.
22:21Erica Wheeler just steps right into it.
22:23Stewie with the long arm of the wall right there.
22:26But what a clutch shot from Erica Wheeler.
22:3022-8.
22:31L.A. has outscored New York since 1.30 to go in the third.
22:35Let's check in with Angel.
22:36Well, just a gentle reminder at halftime, Lynn Roberts told her team, I'm challenging you
22:40as far as the physicality.
22:42After the third quarter, Erica Wheeler looked at her team and said, yeah, they may be stronger
22:46and taller, but at the end of the day, we're faster.
22:48She said, we have to continue to put our foot on the gas, make them uncomfortable.
22:51They have turned them over in this quarter, going back to the third as well.
22:54But she always challenged them to make them uncomfortable, starting with her in the guards.
22:59Hi, Angel.
23:00Thank you very much.
23:01They have certainly responded.
23:03How about this big little jump?
23:06Drum dog, big dog.
23:08Big dog, little dog.
23:09You got it.
23:10Yep.
23:10Petey Eastman.
23:11Yes, that's right.
23:12A classic.
23:14Ted goes fast.
23:15Fred goes slow.
23:18Ted's car was green.
23:20Fred's car was red.
23:22And for those few people who understand what we're saying, you're welcome.
23:27And for the other 99% of the audience, we're sorry.
23:30We're sorry.
23:31Ha, ha, ha, ha.
23:35Here's Stewart.
23:38Off to Jones.
23:39Ditch it in.
23:40Saboli has plum on her.
23:41Saboli gets the whistle.
23:44As New York able to find the mismatch.
23:47And Satu Saboli massages it into free throws.
23:50Go back to Angel Gray's report.
23:52You know, L.A. had done such a nice job of turning New York over.
23:55And New York had a lot of times, even if they didn't turn it over,
23:57they were, like, losing the basketball off their handle.
24:04Well, next week on Women's Sports Sunday, we'll have the Liberty in the Bay Area taking on the Valkyries.
24:11It's 7 p.m.
24:12It's 7 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.
24:14WNBA countdown gets the night started at 6.30 Eastern.
24:19First missed free throw of the night for New York.
24:22They are now 11 of 12.
24:25An outstanding atmosphere here tonight.
24:27Oh, yeah.
24:28At Crypto.com Arena.
24:32Electrifying atmosphere yesterday when we were in Atlanta as well at State Farm.
24:36Agumike can't finish it.
24:42Here's Stewart poked away by Hamby.
24:44Stewart insistent.
24:46No.
24:47Plumb the board.
24:49Plumb the flick ahead.
24:50Agumike!
24:51Touchdown!
24:52Sparks!
25:01Timeout, New York, L.A.
25:04In front by one.
25:06What a runout by Nneka Agumike.
25:09And then the perfectly thrown pass by Kelsey Plum.
25:13Head up.
25:15Heave.
25:16Nneka is going to catch and score.
25:32Pass by Kelsey Plum.
25:34What a catch by Nneka Agumike.
25:37And finish.
25:38The resilience the sparks have shown in this game has been admirable.
25:43L.A. was down 17 with 7 to go in the third.
25:47They lead by one now.
25:49With 3.35 remaining in the fourth.
25:52Here is Jones.
25:54Bodying in.
25:55Kicking out.
25:56Stewart gives it back.
25:57And it's out of bounds.
25:59As Jones tumbles to the hardwood.
26:04De'Ara Gehamby pulls the chair.
26:05She pulls the chair.
26:06She just feels Jonquil leaning her weight into her and backs up.
26:12Man, I hated in practice when somebody pulled the chair on me.
26:16Because you just fall.
26:17Like, you're using all of your strength to try to get position.
26:20They move and you're done.
26:2116 New York turnovers.
26:23Just 9 for L.A.
26:25Ray Burrell, a key catalyst for the comeback.
26:28Here's Agumike.
26:29The fake, the drive, the spin, and the finish.
26:36Vintage, Nneka.
26:37She's up to 16.
26:41Largest lead tonight for the Sparks.
26:45And a whistle against L.A.
26:52That's Nneka with the turn and spin.
26:54And absolutely, yeah, vintage.
26:56How about the long arm of Jonquil Jones right there?
26:58But Nneka still with the bounce and the fade.
27:01The bounce and the fade allows her to get her shots off.
27:04A 12-1 run for the Sparks.
27:09Here is Stewart.
27:12Directing traffic.
27:13Sabley deep catch on Plum.
27:14Double comes.
27:15Jones to tie.
27:16She got it.
27:1888 all.
27:21Playing inside out.
27:23Go inside.
27:23Draw the double team.
27:24And it leaves Jonquil Jones with a wide open look.
27:27Here's Burrell working behind Hamby.
27:30Burrell unable to pizza pie at home.
27:33Johannes off the glass.
27:36Running with Stewart.
27:38Stewart surges in.
27:40Shed's her defender.
27:41And lays it home.
27:43New York back in front by two.
27:49In a rare, inefficient game for Plum.
27:52does have seven assists, though, as Johannes knocks down Wheeler, then tumbles over her.
27:59Right-hand green.
28:01Left foot red.
28:11Brandon Stewart coming down.
28:13Wheeler loses her balance out of bounds, and Stewie doesn't, and just spins and finishes inside.
28:20Oh, a little bit of a push-off there, too, with the left hand.
28:22That could have been called a foul.
28:27Each team with six players in double figures.
28:34Hamby giving it up.
28:36Plum, four to shoot.
28:38Wheeler has to pull.
28:40No.
28:41Rebound.
28:42Hamby, another chance for L.A.
28:45O'Gromake open for the lay.
28:5290-90.
28:54With 1.48 to go.
29:00Astier on the attack.
29:02Hups it in.
29:03Plus the foul.
29:05And a chance for three for Pauline Astier.
29:09She doesn't get tired.
29:10On the defensive end of the floor, she was all over the place.
29:12And then here, offensively, uses the burst of speed, absorbs the swipe, and finishes.
29:19I've been so impressed.
29:20This is my first time watching Astier in person, Ryan.
29:23And, wow, she is really good.
29:26And New York going with their big lineup down the stretch here.
29:29And Astier is the lone guard.
29:31Remember, Sabrina Gonescu is still getting things going after returning from multiple injuries.
29:38But she and Johannes on the bench right now.
29:40Astier letting it fly.
29:41High three-point Liberty lead.
29:43Wheeler gives it up.
29:45O'Gromake to tie.
29:47You bet!
29:5693 all.
29:58With 1.20 to go.
30:00And a foul on Wheeler.
30:02New York in the bonus free throws here for Astier.
30:06We've been watching Neku Goulmake scoring inside throughout this game.
30:11And here, just efficiency throughout her career from three drains that huge one there.
30:18New York Liberty at the free throw line.
30:19Remember, they are the best free throw shooting team in all of the WNBA.
30:2686% as a team.
30:28And Astier hits that one.
30:30Coming up after we're done here in L.A.
30:32It's SportsCenter with Nicole Briscoe and Michael Eaves.
30:35The star of this game will join the show.
30:37Highlight from the rest of a busy day in sports.
30:39Coming up next on SportsCenter.
30:42Astier hits them both.
30:43She is 17 off the bench.
30:461.15 to go in the fourth.
30:48New York by two.
30:51Here comes Hamby.
30:53Off the deflection of Phoebus.
30:56Plum hopping.
31:00Plum gives it up.
31:03Burrell.
31:04No.
31:04Unable to hit.
31:06Stewart the rebound.
31:10Everybody.
31:21Nasty A.
31:23Five to shoot.
31:25Phoebus with four.
31:26With two.
31:28Saboli has to put it up.
31:29Didn't get it up in time.
31:31And a shot clock violation on New York.
31:37The number of bodies on the floor on that possession.
31:40But once again, the L.A. Sparks just playing tough defense.
31:45Quick to break.
31:46We'll be right back.
31:4733 seconds to go.
31:48L.A. ball.
31:51Exceeding the hype here in L.A.
31:54You saw the timeouts.
31:56The foul situations.
31:58You see the records in clutch time.
31:59How about L.A. here?
32:02Where do they go offensively this possession, partner?
32:05I mean, I think you just leave the ball in the hands of your veteran players.
32:09In particular, Kelsey Plum and Nneka Agumike try to get one of those two to their spots.
32:13Nneka has found multiple spots here in this game.
32:15And we've talked about Plum being the best ISO player potentially in the W.
32:19Wheeler lobs it in.
32:21Sable knocks it away.
32:23Agumike keeps it alive.
32:25Plum.
32:25No.
32:26Rebound Stewart.
32:28New York controls.
32:29And Stewart is fouled with 26.7 to go.
32:33Great look.
32:34Great look.
32:36Inbounding directly into the post.
32:38Nneka Agumike in there.
32:41Back screen on Jonquil Jones.
32:43Satu Sable just gets her fingertip on it so that it can't be a clean catch for Nneka Agumike.
32:48Still a really good look for Kelsey Plum.
32:52And then big rebound by Brianna Stewart.
32:54A rare poor shooting game for Plum.
32:56She's one of seven from three.
32:58The left leg heavily taped up as well as Stewart misses the free throw.
33:05Door still wide open for L.A.
33:09Stewart's first free throw attempt of the night.
33:12She is 87.5% on the season.
33:16Carson has a double-double tonight.
33:20That one is good.
33:23And it's a three-point New York lead as L.A.
33:28will take their reset timeout.
33:35Lynn Roberts directing Ray Burrell.
33:38L.A. still has one full timeout remaining.
33:43New York has two timeouts and they're reset.
33:46Liberty also have a foul to give.
33:48Into Agumike with 23 left in L.A.
33:51Down by three.
33:52Poked away.
33:54A foul is called against New York.
33:57They had one to give.
33:58They also have their challenge.
34:02And Brianna Stewart telling the bench,
34:05take a look at that.
34:07Didn't feel like there was a foul.
34:13I think the grabbing of the arm.
34:15Yeah, and a little push in the back.
34:17Into Hamby.
34:18L.A.
34:18down three.
34:1920 seconds to go.
34:22Wheeler with 15.
34:24Two-second difference game in shot clock.
34:26Wheeler for the tie.
34:27Blocked by Astier.
34:29And then Burrell fouled in the corner on the floor.
34:33And it will be two free throws for the Sparks
34:37who are in the bonus with 10.3 to go.
34:40It looked like that entire possession,
34:41L.A. was going for a three.
34:43And I felt like they had enough time
34:45that they could have gotten the two,
34:46especially considering that they have that timeout.
34:53Boy, I mean, where were Burrell's feet, too?
34:57Because if they were behind the line,
35:01it looked like that foul was close to being on the shot.
35:03As Burrell sinks the first.
35:06Now they called the foul on the floor regardless.
35:09One more free throw coming here for Burrell.
35:1318 points.
35:14Has been excellent in this second half
35:16and makes it a one-point game.
35:18New York will take a timeout.
35:22Leading by one with 10 seconds to go.
35:35Well, we talk about the growth of the league,
35:39the excitement of the product
35:40as we celebrate the 30 years of the W here today,
35:44back where it all started.
35:46The show's been pretty good today.
35:48The show's been pretty incredible.
35:50I mean, this atmosphere has been unreal.
35:52And then this basketball game, couldn't ask for more.
35:55For New York here, you have timeouts remaining.
35:58Obviously, you have a lot of good free throw shooters
36:00on the floor as well.
36:01Need that clean inbound.
36:03100%.
36:03That's the most important thing is to inbound the ball.
36:06Clearly, we saw in the game yesterday
36:07with Chicago and Dallas,
36:09that not the clean inbound for Chicago.
36:11And then, you know, Dallas was able to come back
36:13and win that game.
36:14So that is number one for the Liberty.
36:17And, of course, for L.A.,
36:19you're trying to get a steal there if you can.
36:21Five-second violation if you can.
36:23And if not, then you go for the foul.
36:25Both teams in the bonus.
36:27L.A. with one timeout remaining.
36:29New York with a timeout and a reset.
36:32So even if New York gets fouled,
36:36hits both free throws,
36:37L.A. would have a chance to advance it.
36:42And potentially a shot to tie.
36:45It'll be Phoebus, Stewart, Astier,
36:49Saboli, and Jones on the floor for the Liberty.
36:53I mean, that gives you an idea of the versatility
36:55of their big players.
36:57I mean, you have essentially
37:00four frontcourt players on the floor
37:02when you need free-throw shooters out there.
37:04That's how good they are at the line.
37:06Phoebus has to get it in,
37:08and it's deflected out of bounds.
37:11And will stay with New York.
37:15The official's going to talk about
37:17whether or not that then hit New York
37:19off the initial deflection.
37:21Does Lynn Roberts want to barter
37:23with her final timeout?
37:24She does.
37:25All right.
37:28They think it hits Saboli
37:30after it hit Atkins.
37:37I don't think it did.
37:39Oh, it doesn't.
37:39No, it just hits Atkins.
37:41And that is...
37:44I mean, that's an incredibly costly challenge
37:50if you're wrong,
37:51which it looks like L.A. is
37:54because you won't be able
37:56to advance the basketball then.
38:01Los Angeles challenged
38:03the out-of-bounds ruling.
38:04They call a timeout to challenge.
38:06Now, 9.9 is still plenty of time
38:09to get up the floor.
38:10Yes, yes.
38:19And Chris DiMarco is a guy
38:21who likes to foul up three.
38:22Yeah, we asked him specifically
38:24about that before this game.
38:26He said, yeah, I don't...
38:27And remember, it has to be definitive.
38:30No, I don't think that touches her hand.
38:45In terms of trying to get the ball
38:47inbound cleanly.
38:49And then L.A.,
38:51everything has to be quick.
38:53If the Liberty are able
38:54to inbound it cleanly,
38:56you have to foul quickly.
38:59Remember, you can inbound
39:00in the backcourt
39:01in the last two minutes.
39:04New York also still does have a timeout
39:07should they struggle with the inbound.
39:11Now, the crowd is reactive
39:13because they're seeing that behind angle
39:14that we saw where it looks like
39:16it hits the left hand of Sabley.
39:18But as we saw from the other angle,
39:20I think it's pretty clear it does not.
39:43Now, on the flip side here,
39:47if L.A. somehow wins the challenge,
39:50then, of course,
39:51they will be able to advance
39:52the basketball.
39:54We're projecting that
39:55they will not win the challenge.
39:56Correct.
40:09Now, both coaches have to prepare
40:11for offense and defense
40:13here in these huddles.
40:22Taking a long time here.
40:26I mean, from the one angle,
40:29it looks pretty clear
40:29that she does not touch the basketball.
40:31Very clear.
40:32So maybe getting the clock right
40:33as well here.
40:34Maybe.
40:36Although, that's the same exact
40:37as it was before.
40:40I mean,
40:44I do not see that hit in her hand.
40:46No.
40:47After review,
40:48the ball is going to stand.
40:50The ball is last touched by Atkins.
40:52It's going to be New York's ball
40:55side out.
40:56With this unsuccessful challenge,
40:57they're going to lose their timeout
40:59and lose their ability
40:59to challenge for Los Angeles.
41:01The game clock will be set
41:02for 10 seconds.
41:04For maybe just getting the clock right
41:07as they add
41:08one-tenth of a second.
41:10But it seemed pretty clear
41:11that it did not touch
41:12Satu Saboli's hand.
41:16And that's a costly challenge
41:18for L.A.
41:22As
41:23they now are without a timeout.
41:26So, New York will inbound.
41:29Sparks will try
41:30and force a turnover.
41:31If it does get inbounded
41:33and then have to foul.
41:34Tough spot to inbound
41:35from in the deep corner.
41:38New York has a timeout
41:40and a reset.
41:41Should they struggle
41:41into Stewart, it goes.
41:43Stewart is fouled
41:44with 8.6 remaining.
41:46Brianna Stewart
41:47who just missed a free throw
41:48a moment ago.
41:49We'll go to the line here.
41:51One of two on the day.
41:5387.5% on the season.
41:5584%
41:56in her career.
42:00Chris DiMarco
42:01talked to us
42:02about how coaching
42:03Brianna Stewart
42:03has given him
42:04such a deep appreciation
42:05for just all of the ways
42:07she impacts winning.
42:09But she misses
42:10another free throw here.
42:19And now
42:21you can forget about
42:23the three-point lead
42:24and fouling.
42:25Nah, this is a big one.
42:26Got that.
42:27Two-point game.
42:29Eight seconds to go.
42:30Here is Wheeler
42:31up the floor.
42:33Wheeler with three.
42:34Wheeler gives it up.
42:36Agumake for the win.
42:37You bet!
42:38You bet!
42:39What a fitting finish
42:41to the 30th anniversary game.
42:44L.A.
42:46with the walk-off win.
43:07Incredible heady play
43:09starting with Erica Wheeler
43:11taking the ball
43:12end-to-end
43:13knowing how much time
43:14she has
43:15goes in
43:16gets a paint touch
43:18assesses what she sees
43:19when
43:19to match
43:19and
43:19I don't have to
Comments