Los Angeles, CA (News4usOnline) – The Los Angeles Sparks came out swinging in front of a fired-up home crowd of 11,796, jumping to a 20–5 lead in the first quarter behind crisp passing and aggressive drives. In a game that turned into a slugfest, LA held on for a 94–91 win over the Seattle Storm, proving that when each player focuses on what they do best, Sparks basketball is hard to beat.
This wasn’t a track meet — it was a fight. And while the Sparks landed plenty of early punches, the Storm threw the heavier ones for most of the middle quarters. Malonga, a 6’6″ French–Cameroonian forward-center selected No. 2 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, came off the bench to post 20 points and 11 rebounds, dominating the paint and forcing LA to adjust defensively on nearly every possession.
Seattle matched LA point-for-point in stretches, something you simply can’t afford to let happen if you want to close out a game. Turnovers continued to haunt the Sparks, giving the Storm extra possessions — they finished with 19 giveaways, leading to 24 Seattle points. But when it mattered most, the Sparks locked in on their strengths, and their “team-first” approach took over.
You just had to be there.
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) August 11, 2025
Don't miss the next home game tomorrow: https://t.co/4bLx4rGM7g pic.twitter.com/VL8955y9Dh
Hamby summed it up best: “That’s Sparks basketball — and we’re bringing it back.”
A True Team Win
This victory was more than just late-game heroics — it was a full-team effort built on execution and trust. The Sparks shot 53.1% from the field, a sizzling 51.9% from three, and a steady 92.3% from the free-throw line. They recorded 25 assists on 34 made field goals, showing the ball movement and unselfishness that have been at the core of their identity.
Kelsey Plum finished with 20 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds, embracing her role as a facilitator while still delivering when needed. Dearica Hamby scored 19 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, owning the paint late. Azurá Stevens added 15 points and 8 rebounds, including a massive go-ahead three in the final two minutes.
Cameron Brink was nearly perfect in limited minutes, posting 14 points in just 11 minutes on 5-of-6 shooting. Off the bench, Rae Burrell chipped in 8 points, while Julie Allemand was a playmaking force with 8 assists, 3 steals — including the game-sealing one.
The Final Two Minutes
With 2:36 left, Stevens cut to the basket for a layup off a Plum pass, trimming the Storm lead to five. Moments later, she scored again to make it a one-possession game. At 1:43, Stevens drilled a 3-pointer from Allemand, flipping the score and forcing a Seattle timeout.
On the very next play, Allemand made the defensive stop of the night, stealing the ball from Malonga. Hamby stepped to the line and knocked down two clutch free throws to tie the game at 87–87.
Stevens grabbed another rebound, and Plum hit two from the stripe to give LA the edge. Hamby then delivered a smooth finger-roll layup with 17.9 seconds left, pushing the Sparks ahead 91–89. Seattle tied it with a quick layup, but Hamby answered again — this time with a basket and a foul with 5.6 seconds to play.
Hamby’s free throw made it 94–91, and when the Storm tried to mount one last possession, Julie Allemand calmly swiped the ball for her third steal, ending the threat and calming the Storm.
Out here having fun. pic.twitter.com/JfwCXESloC
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) August 12, 2025
Tapping into Kelsey Plum’s Playmaking Ability
Plum’s scoring is her calling card, but her evolving ability to get teammates involved is becoming just as valuable. Her coach put it simply:
“Kelsey’s learned that creating for others opens up her own game. She’s smart, self-aware, and confident because she’s put in the work. She gets everyone involved, then steps up when it matters — that’s what your best player should do.”
Plum echoed that sentiment in her own words:
“I’ve always been known as a scorer, but I’ve learned my impact is bigger when I’m doing both — scoring and creating. Tonight I was proud of how we stayed in it, made plays down the stretch, and proved that in this league, anything can happen in a one or two-possession game.”
On Sunday night, Plum lived up to that description — setting the table early, stepping up late, and showing why Sparks basketball works best when everyone plays to their strengths.
The Sparks want to continue proving they can win at home to stay in the playoff race. With seven home games left in the regular season, they’ll need to stay locked in and keep building on performances like this.
Born and raised in the heart of Compton, I’ve always had a soft spot for underdogs—those who fight with grit, heart, and determination. My passion for the LA Clippers runs deep because they mirror everything I stand for. Whether courtside or in the community, I proudly cheer for the team that reflects my story.
I am also the host of Black Love and Basketball – Compton Edition, a podcast blending the beauty of basketball and love from a feminine perspective.
Outside of basketball, I am a family law paralegal dedicated to helping families navigate challenges and stay together. Success may have a time frame for those who want you to fail, but I’ve learned to set my own clock. – Felicia Enriquez, also known as Mynt J.