Sparks keep rolling toward playoff spot with win vs. Liberty

Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson (2) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning basket at the buzzer during the second half against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. John Jones-Imagn Images

Sparks roll toward playoff spot with buzzer-beating win against Liberty

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Jul 26, 2025 9:55 PM ET

The Los Angeles Sparks are the hottest team in the WNBA right now, and they keep inching their way toward a playoff spot. Their winning streak extended to five games on Saturday night with what was their biggest win of the season, knocking off the defending champion New York Liberty by a 101-99 margin.

They got the win when second-year player Rickea Jackson hit a game-winning, buzzer-beating lay-up at the end of the fourth quarter to break a tie.

Rickea Jackson hits the GAME-WINNER to give the @LASparks the 101-99 win over the Liberty!

The sophomore put up 24 PTS to lead LA to their 5th straight win!#WelcometotheW https://t.co/LyBXkqhPr2 pic.twitter.com/WO1KrgEaV4
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 27, 2025

Along with making the game-winning shot, Jackson also finished with a team-leading 24 points in the win.

It was not only the Sparks' biggest win of the season, but it was also one of the best games of the WNBA season overall. The Liberty overcame a 13-point halftime deficit and tied the game with less than 25 seconds to play in regulation, setting the stage for Jackson's winning shot.

The five-game winning streak is huge for the Sparks because it has put them right back into the mix for a playoff spot.

With Saturday's win, the Sparks (11-14) are just one game back of the Las Vegas Aces (12-13) for the final playoff spot.

Whether they end up getting that spot or not, there is undeniable growth for the Sparks as this season has gone on. After finishing with the league's worst record a year ago and winning just eight games, they have already exceeded that win total and are on track to crush it this season.

The Sparks have not made the playoffs since the 2020 season and are at least playing their way back into contention this season.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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