Ionescu scores 20 points and Liberty avoid record collapse to hold off Sparks

Sabrina Ionescu contributed 20 points as the New York Liberty thwarted the Los Angeles Sparks and prevented a potential record-breaking collapse in the WNBA. The Liberty (21-14) secured a 85-81 victory over the Sparks (12-21) on Thursday night, avoiding one of the biggest comebacks in league history. New York led 69-41 in the fourth quarter and held a three-point lead with 26.6 seconds remaining.

The Sparks nearly matched the Chicago Sky's record for the biggest comeback after trailing by 28 points, but failed to convert a crucial 3-pointer and Ionescu sealed the win with a free throw with 3.2 seconds left. Rae Burrell helped Los Angeles close to the three-point mark with a reverse layup, but finished with 28 points after Cameron Brink was ejected and sidelined with an injury.