New York Liberty Edge Los Angeles Sparks in Close Contest
Thursday, August 13, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Barclays Center
New York Liberty 85, Los Angeles Sparks 81, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Los Angeles Sparks vs New York Liberty?
New York Liberty beat Los Angeles Sparks 85-81 at Barclays Center on August 13, 2026.
Who was favored in Los Angeles Sparks vs New York Liberty?
New York Liberty were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -360 (about 78% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the New York Liberty secured a narrow victory over the Los Angeles Sparks with a final score of 85-81 at Barclays Center. This win marks the Liberty's third victory in their last four meetings against the Sparks, solidifying their dominance in this series with a 2-1 record this season. The Liberty's home record stands at an impressive 21-14, while the Sparks finish the season with a 12-21 record.
The Liberty entered this game with a recent form of 7-3 over their last ten games, although they were on a one-game losing streak after a defeat to the Indiana Fever. In those ten games, they averaged 97.8 points scored per game while allowing 95.1 points. Their home performance has been particularly strong, boasting a perfect 4-0 record in their last four home games. The Sparks, on the other hand, struggled recently, winning only two of their last ten games, with an average of 89.0 points scored and 93.7 points allowed. They were on a two-game losing streak and had a poor away record of 2-4 in their last six games.
In terms of previous meetings, the Liberty and Sparks faced each other earlier this season on July 29, where the Liberty emerged victorious with a score of 113-109. Their matchups have been competitive, with the Liberty winning three of the last five encounters.
Injury concerns were present for both teams. The Liberty were without Satou Sabally, who was out due to a concussion, while the Sparks missed Aaliyah Nye, who was out for non-injury-related reasons. These absences may have impacted the teams' strategies and performances.
The betting market reflected the Liberty's status as favorites, with DraftKings setting the spread at NY -8.5 and a total of 187.5 for the game. The moneyline odds were -360.0 for the Liberty and 285.0 for the Sparks, indicating a strong belief in the Liberty's ability to win.
The conditions at Barclays Center were conducive to a competitive game, with both teams looking to establish their rhythm early. As the game unfolded, key moments in the fourth quarter highlighted the intensity of the matchup. Breanna Stewart hit an important pullup jump shot to give the Liberty a late lead, while Ariel Atkins responded with a three-pointer for the Sparks, keeping the game close. The final minutes saw Sabrina Ionescu stepping up for the Liberty, converting crucial free throws that ultimately sealed the game.
Viewers were treated to a thrilling finish, showcasing the resilience and determination of both teams. The Liberty's ability to execute under pressure and the Sparks' fight to stay in the game made for an exciting conclusion to this WNBA clash.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NY -8.5 | 187.5 o -105 / u -115 | Los Angeles Sparks +285 · New York Liberty -360 |
Injury report
- Satou SaballyOutConcussionNew York Liberty
- Aaliyah NyeOutNot Injury RelatedLos Angeles Sparks
Leaders
- PointsSabrina Ionescu20New York Liberty
- AssistsBreanna Stewart5New York Liberty
- ReboundsJonquel Jones18New York Liberty
- PointsRae Burrell28Los Angeles Sparks
- AssistsErica Wheeler6Los Angeles Sparks
- ReboundsNneka Ogwumike11Los Angeles Sparks
Recent form
New York Liberty
Last 10: 7-3Streak L197.8 scored · 95.1 allowed per game4-0 at home
- L92-106at Indiana FeverAug 11
- W111-71vs Las Vegas AcesAug 9
- W92-86vs Seattle StormAug 5
- W95-83vs Seattle StormAug 3
- W94-92at Phoenix MercuryAug 1
- L99-104at Las Vegas AcesJul 31
- W113-109at Los Angeles SparksJul 29
- W95-94vs Chicago SkyJul 22
- W99-98at Dallas WingsJul 21
- L88-108at Indiana FeverJul 19
Los Angeles Sparks
Last 10: 2-8Streak L289 scored · 93.7 allowed per game2-4 away
- L87-94vs Phoenix MercuryAug 12
- L78-84vs Golden State ValkyriesAug 9
- W89-82at Minnesota LynxAug 7
- L88-95at Chicago SkyAug 6
- W106-101at Portland FireAug 2
- L109-113vs New York LibertyJul 29
- L82-86vs Phoenix MercuryJul 22
- L82-90at Dallas WingsJul 19
- L82-96at Chicago SkyJul 17
- L87-96at Minnesota LynxJul 15
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W1 | .650 | 26 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W2 | .650 | 26 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W1 | .600 | 24 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | L1 | .600 | 24 |
| Chicago | 11 | 25 | L3 | .375 | 15 |
| Toronto | 15 | 29 | L4 | .275 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 30 | L3 | .250 | 10 |
Box score
| Stat | Los Angeles Sparks | New York Liberty |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-68 | 32-77 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 10-30 | 7-27 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 26 |
| Free throws | 7-13 | 14-18 |
| Free throw % | 54 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 27 |
| Assists | 22 | 22 |
| Steals | 7 | 12 |
| Blocks | 5 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 2 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 21 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 50 |
| Fouls | 20 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 28 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 6 | 92 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter38-55Marine Johannes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter38-56Marine Johannes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter38-57Jonquel Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter40-57Dearica Hamby makes running layup (Chance Gray assists)
- 3rd Quarter40-60Han Xu makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jonquel Jones assists)
- 3rd Quarter40-62Rebekah Gardner makes running layup (Sabrina Ionescu assists)
- 3rd Quarter40-64Sabrina Ionescu makes running layup (Marine Johannes assists)
- 3rd Quarter41-64Dearica Hamby makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter41-67Marine Johannes makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter41-68Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter41-69Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter43-69Rae Burrell makes driving layup (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 4th Quarter44-69Rae Burrell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter47-69Jihyun Park makes 23-foot running jump shot (Cameron Brink assists)
- 4th Quarter50-69Rae Burrell makes 25-foot running jump shot (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter53-69Cameron Brink makes 23-foot three point jumper (Rae Burrell assists)
- 4th Quarter55-69Nneka Ogwumike makes 5-foot two point shot (Cameron Brink assists)
- 4th Quarter57-69Rae Burrell makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter60-69Rae Burrell makes 27-foot three point jumper (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 4th Quarter62-69Cameron Brink makes 5-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter62-71Sabrina Ionescu makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter63-71Rae Burrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter64-71Rae Burrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter67-71Rae Burrell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 4th Quarter67-73Rebecca Allen makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter69-73Erica Wheeler makes 3-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter70-73Nneka Ogwumike makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter70-75Sabrina Ionescu makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter70-76Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter72-76Rae Burrell makes 1-foot driving floating jump shot (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter72-78Sabrina Ionescu makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter74-78Nneka Ogwumike makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter74-80Breanna Stewart makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter77-80Ariel Atkins makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter77-82Marine Johannes makes layup (Jonquel Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter79-82Dearica Hamby makes layup (Rae Burrell assists)
- 4th Quarter81-82Rae Burrell makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter81-83Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter81-84Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter81-85Sabrina Ionescu makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours New York Liberty, below favours Los Angeles Sparks.
Venue
- Barclays CenterBrooklyn, NY
- Attendance16071
- OfficialsTim Greene, Tyler Mirkovich, Kelly Broomfield
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Liberty Edge Sparks in Close ContestJul 28, 2026
- Sparks Edge Liberty in Thrilling FinishJun 21, 2026