Sabrina Ionescu Dominates in Liberty's 89-79 Win Over Kelsey Plum's Sparks

Los Angeles led, 41-37, at the half. However, the road advantage didn't last — New York's red-hot offense carried out a fast 32-18 scoring run through the third period to seal its eventual double-digit win.

I feel like it has just kind of been the story of our season of how we’re able to kind of lock in, and most of the time it’s kind of annoying because we kind of do it to ourselves," Ionescu said. "But I think I’m obviously just proud of the way that we fought back.”

Sparks' forward Dearica Hamby finished with a game-high 25 points and nine rebounds in an impressive effort — providing a much-needed offensive spark alongside fellow double-digit scorers Kelsey Plum (13 points), Azura Stevens (12 points) and Julie Allemand (10 points).

It marked Allemand's WNBA return, and her first game for the purple and gold since June 9, after spending time away due to overseas commitments, per a release. She helped lead Belgium to its second consecutive FIBA EuroBasket crown last Sunday.

Rae Burrell added five points and two rebounds in Thursday night's defeat — her first game back from injury suffered in Los Angeles' May 16 season opener.

The Sparks complete their two-game road trip with a Saturday contest against the Fever — a team Los Angeles beat, 85-75, on June 26 — at Indiana's Gainbridge Fieldhouse.