Sparks Lose in Overtime at New York Homecoming

The New York Liberty was inspired by seeing some of the team’s original players and came away with its first win of the season.

Becky Hammon scored 24 points and rookie Sherill Baker had 15 as the Liberty defeated the Sparks, 89-79, in overtime to win its home opener and end a four-game losing streak.

The Sparks ended a season-opening six-game trip with a 3-3 mark. They play their home opener Wednesday against Detroit at Staples Center.

Before the game, New York honored Teresa Weatherspoon, Rebecca Lobo, Sue Wicks and Kym Hampton -- Liberty stars from the WNBA’s inaugural season in 1997 -- to a rousing ovation from the crowd of 14,070.

“Coming home, we had a great crowd,” Hammon said. “The whole day was kind of electric with the presentation, seeing my old teammates there. I know it got me really pumped up for the game and ready to go.”

Cathrine Kraayeveld made a three-pointer for New York (1-4) with 4.6 seconds left in regulation to tie the score at 68, capping a five-point comeback in the final 28 seconds.

Hammon and Kraayeveld had missed three-point attempts in that final flurry, but New York kept getting the offensive rebounds for extra chances.

“There were two or three times we actually had the rebound in our hands,” Sparks Coach Joe Bryant said.

Shameka Christon scored 10 points, including a three-pointer with 4:07 remaining in overtime to give the Liberty the lead for good at 71-68.

Lisa Leslie had 26 points and 15 rebounds for the Sparks before fouling out in overtime.