Following her game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, Nneka Ogwumike could not hold back her tears after the ESPN broadcast asked her what it meant to celebrate the WNBA’s evolution on her home court.

The Los Angeles Sparks beat the New York Liberty 98-97 in a game that commemorated the league's 30th anniversary and honored all the legends that helped the league survive in its darkest days and excel in its brightest.

It was all too much for Nneka, even after hitting the game-winning shot that secured the Sparks the victory. Just minutes after the game ended, she was surrounded by reporters and expressed why she was overflowing with emotion.

“It feels really good,” Ogwumike said as she choked up. “It’s emotional seeing all of these legends in the building. People who didn’t get paid their value and they’re still coming here and supporting us. I’m so grateful.”

The 15-year veteran was surrounded by the legends of the Sparks and the Liberty throughout the Crypto.com Arena. Lisa Leslie and Kym Hampton lined up at center court for the pregame tip-off, just as they did for the WNBA’s debut game on this date in 1997

On Saturday, Sparks legends DeLisha Milton-Jones and Tamecka Dixon were at practice too. Meanwhile, the Liberty welcomed original roster members Sue Wicks, Hampton, Teresa Weatherspoon, and Vickie Johnson at their walk-through.

Ogwumike's words certainly came from the heart, as over the WNBA's three-decade existence, players have certainly felt underappreciated. Be it from a lack of historical media coverage, unequal pay structures, or the late-blooming visibility of the league.

It was quite commendable for Nneka to give credit to the legends who came before her. After all, she was already emotional even before the game started, following a lovely message from her father.

Nneka Ogwumike Received a Sweet Father's Day Surprise from Chiney Ogwumike

Before the game, Nneka joined the WNBA Countdown show, where her sister, Chiney Ogwumike, was also present.

Chiney told her that their father, Peter Ogwumike, is currently flying back to Houston from Nigeria and sent Nneka a message from the flight.

"From 38,000 feet above the Atlantic. I want to say we're very proud of you. I'm totally proud of how you represent our family," Peter said.

"Leave it to Chiney to make my dad give me a gift on Father's Day," Nneka replied after watching the video.

Hearing such words of appreciation from her father was definitely a good luck charm for Nneka, who was the best player on the court and the sole reason the Sparks were able to make a comeback after trailing by 17 points in the third quarter.

Ogwumike tied her season high of 24 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, as the Sparks were able to make a comeback in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

With this epic victory, the Sparks are now back to .500 with an 8-8 record for the season. With Ogwumike playing her best basketball and Kelsey Plum back in the starting lineup, the Sparks are still on track to reach their first playoffs since 2020.

So, do you think the Sparks will continue with this momentum ahead? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy