The legends were out for the WNBA's 30th anniversary game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the New York Liberty. But none bigger than the LA legend herself, Lisa Leslie, who decided to add a little swag to her yellow suit.

Leslie honored the 30 seasons of the WNBA by rocking a large chain with "THIRTY" sculpted in bold, and seemed genuinely happy returning to the place she had built the foundation of over the years.

The Sparks legend, who will also be receiving her very own statue outside the Crypto.com Arena later this year, did not just come to show her support, but was also given a valuable honor that could not be done without her.

29 years ago on Sunday, the Sparks and the Liberty faced off in the first-ever game in the WNBA, with Lisa Leslie and Kym Hampton squaring off for the first-ever tip-off.

On Sunday, Leslie and Hampton recreated the memorable moment at Crypto.com before the game between the Sparks and the Liberty, much to the delight of the fans and the current players.

While the Liberty beat the Sparks 67-57 in the WNBA's inaugural game, Leslie had a solid performance with 16 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks.

From playing in the first game of the WNBA to being widely renowned as one of the greatest women's basketball players to lace the shoes, Leslie had the honor of reflecting on the last three decades of the league.

Lisa Leslie Shares Honest Reflection on 30 Years of the WNBA

Leslie showed up at the anniversary not just to represent the Sparks, but for all of women's basketball.

“I’m amazed that it’s 30 years ago and so thankful to all these fans who still come out and support us,” Leslie shared in an interview with Jill Painter Lopez of Sports Central LA before the contest.

The three-time MVP also addressed the crowd, stating that the assignment was not to represent themselves, but to represent every little girl who ever wished of becoming a player like them.

And this could not have come from a better person, as the eight-time All-Star played a big role in helping women's basketball grow to where it is right now, giving a platform to the likes of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers to make it grow further.

Following the marking of the 30th anniversary of the WNBA's inaugural game, Leslie and the many legends in the arena were treated to probably the best game of the season so far.

The Sparks beat the Liberty 98-97 thanks to a comeback powered by 15-year veteran and the leader of the WNBPA, Nneka Ogwumike.

Nneka got emotional after putting the defining mark in the anniversary game as she scored the game-winning three-point shot at the buzzer.

The Sparks return to 0.500 with an 8-8 record for the season, as Leslie started and Ogwumike finished the night off in the perfect way for fans at the Crypto.com Arena.

So, where do you rank Lisa Leslie in your all-time WNBA greats list? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy