Liberty visit Los Angeles for first of two games vs. Sparks

The New York Liberty will continue their busy schedule on Sunday afternoon when they visit the Los Angeles Sparks.

On Friday, the Liberty played their fourth game in six nights, losing 88-83 to the Minnesota Lynx.

Despite the loss, New York (18-6) has won four of its past five games. In fact, the Liberty have not lost two straight all season, entering Sunday tied for the second-best record in the WNBA.

Breanna Stewart leads the Liberty in scoring (23.1) and rebounding (9.3). Sabrina Ionescu is second in scoring (16.7) and assists (6.0), and she had 31 points against Minnesota on Friday. Courtney Vandersloot leads the Liberty in assists (8.0) while averaging 10.5 points.

New York's other two starters are center Jonquel Jones (11.8 points, 7.6 rebounds) and wing Betnijah Laney (11.4 points).

"Through the good and the bad, we stay together as a team," Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said. "It doesn't mean it's always going to be 40 minutes of beautiful basketball, but I think you see the connections we have."

Meanwhile, the Sparks (9-15) are in danger of missing the playoffs for the third straight year.

Their struggles this season included an eight-game losing streak that started June 28 and finally ended on July 22.

Since then, however, the Sparks have won two straight games, which is tied for their longest victory streak of the year.

Nneka Ogwumike leads the Sparks in scoring (20.3) and rebounds (9.3). Jordin Canada is second in scoring (13.5) and first in assists (6.0). Lexie Brown is the Sparks' other double-figure scorer (12.4).

Sparks coach Curt Miller praised Ogwumike.

"Nneka is the consummate leader on and off the court," Miller said.

The Sparks and Liberty, who have yet to face each other this season, will also play Tuesday night in Los Angeles. They will close their season series on Sept. 7 in New York.