Sparks share the load and the glory

Final Score: Los Angeles Sparks 92, Connecticut Sun 88

Los Angeles, CA (News4usOnline) – This was a textbook mismatch: the Sparks, with a competent offense and a faster pace, were built to expose a Connecticut team stuck in reverse.

The Sun entered the game with a 3–17 season record, the worst in the WNBA. Unless they caught stellar form overnight, which was unlikely, the Sparks’ edge in speed and efficiency was always going to be decisive.

But make no mistake—both teams needed this win. The Sun were desperate to climb out of the bottom, and the Sparks, hovering just outside the playoff picture, couldn’t afford another stumble. What followed was a physical, back-and-forth battle in which Rickea Jackson, Azurá Stevens, and Kelsey Plum each took over at different stretches—ensuring L.A. walked away with a win they could feel.

First Half: Rickea’s Back?Door Brilliance

Rickea Jackson was a problem early. She snuck inside off the back door, leaving her defender scrambling, and scored 17 first-half points on 8-of-10 shooting (80%). When her perimeter shots didn’t fall, she didn’t hesitate—she adapted. Jackson hunted mismatches, read the paint, and exploited slow defenders.

She finished with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and a season-high 2 blocks in her 50th career start. Pure balance without needing the spotlight.

Paint Party: Interior Domination

Dominance in the paint told the tale: Sparks 50 points, Sun 34. Whether it was Jackson’s cuts, Hamby’s physicality, or Stevens crashing the boards, L.A. won the interior war decisively.

Connecticut simply couldn’t match L.A.’s movement or energy in the paint—this was grown-woman basketball, and the Sun paid the price.

Third Quarter: Azurá Checks In

Stevens asserted herself in the third quarter, scoring 8 points on 3-of-4 shooting, including two threes, and hauling down three offensive boards. She closed with her seventh double-double of the season: 21 points (7?17 FG, 5?8 3PT) and 11 rebounds, matching her career-high seven offensive boards, plus 2 steals and 1 block.

After the game, when asked about being called “underrated,” Stevens was polite but pointed:

“So, respectfully, I don’t care what the media thinks. I’m just trying to do my job and play hard for these guys and for other people.”

No headlines chased—just consistent excellence.

Fourth Quarter: Call Kelsey When It’s Close

Kelsey Plum closed the door. She scored 9 of her 23 points in the fourth, going 3-of-4 from the field, 1-of-2 from deep, and 2-of-2 from the line. She didn’t just handle the moment—she sculpted it.

Plum later explained how L.A.’s switch to small-ball opened things up:

“The space. I think we went small, started playing a little bit faster and a little bit more spread out… That’s where my bread and butter is… Just be patient and then punch the gaps.”

She also hit her 537th career three-pointer, vaulting her into 15th all-time in WNBA threes.

Stat Sheet Highlights

• Dearica Hamby: 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals (+10); passed Chamique Holdsclaw for 28th all-time in rebounds
• Julie Allemand: 5 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals (+13); stability personified
• Rae Burrell: Season-high 7 points (3-for-3 FG), 2 rebounds, 1 assist off the bench

Roster Update & What’s Next

On July 12, the Sparks waived center Mercedes Russell, opening a spot that likely clears a path for Cameron Brink’s anticipated return later this month. That timing could reshuffle the frontcourt—and inject depth at a key moment.

Next up: Facing the Washington Mystics on July 15 at 7 p.m. PT, the Sparks will continue building that chemistry and timing on the fly.

FInal Thought

This wasn’t just a win—it was a potential.  The Sparks shared responsibility, embraced roles, and leaned into adjustments. They aren’t waiting to be recognized—they’re earning it every night.

Rickea attacked. Azurá anchored. Kelsey closed.

They’re growing—together.