Sparks routed in first of back-to-back games

Sabrina Ionescu scored 31 points on 11-for-16 shooting, Natasha Howard had 24 points and 11 rebounds and the New York Liberty beat the Sparks 102-73 on Tuesday night in the first of backto-back games between the teams.

The Liberty (12-18) and the Sparks (12-18), who play again Wednesday in New York, are tied with the Atlanta Dream for the eighth and final playoff spot with less than two weeks remaining in the regular season.

Etc.

Sparks rookie forward Rae Burrell will miss the remainder of the season as she continues to rehab from surgery on her right knee.