Nneka Ogwumike buzzer-beater seals Los Angeles Sparks comeback win
Nneka Ogwumike sank a dramatic three-pointer at the buzzer to complete a 17-point comeback and secure a 98-97 victory for the Los Angeles Sparks against the New York Liberty.
The thrilling finish came on a historic Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena as the WNBA celebrated its 30th anniversary season in front of a sold-out crowd of 18,043.
This fixture was a direct rematch of the league’s inaugural game from June 1997, fittingly decided by one of the competition’s most influential modern figures.
Historic comeback stuns Liberty
New York appeared entirely in control for the majority of the contest, leading by 12 points at half-time and extending their advantage to 17 during the third quarter.
However, the California franchise steadily chipped away at the deficit to set up a frantic final sequence.
After Liberty forward Breanna Stewart missed a crucial free throw to leave the visitors 97-95 ahead, Los Angeles guard Erica Wheeler found the WNBA Players Association president hovering behind the arc.
The veteran forward confidently swished her second three-pointer of the night to finish with a game-high 24 points and send the home fans into delirium.
Emotional return for a franchise legend
The 2016 Most Valuable Player was drafted first overall by Los Angeles in 2012 but recently spent two seasons with the Seattle Storm before returning to her spiritual home this year.
Her game-winning heroics felt particularly poignant on an evening attended by numerous former trailblazers, including Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie.
“It is emotional seeing all these legends in the building,” Ogwumike told ESPN after wiping away tears.
“People that didn’t get paid their value are still coming here and supporting us, and I am so grateful.”
Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts praised her star player’s enduring legacy, referencing the forward’s pivotal role in negotiating the league’s recent collective bargaining agreements.
“On a night like tonight, where we are honoring the legacy of not only the Sparks but the league, what Nneka has done is powerful,” Roberts said.
“You couldn’t have scripted it any better.”