When Sparks Fly
Los Angeles, CA (News4usOnline) – The Los Angeles Sparks opened the season with a fresh mindset and a statement win. After finishing 8–32 last season, a complete reboot was in order—and it showed. Under new head coach Lynne Roberts, the Sparks came out poised, confident, and free.
“It isn’t really about me,” Roberts said after her first WNBA regular-season win. “It’s about the team and these players.”
Kelsey Plum had a debut for the record books. She became the first player in WNBA history to post at least 35 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals in a single game—and she broke Candace Parker’s franchise debut scoring record, finishing with 37 points, including 17 in the third quarter, and a perfect 11-for-11 from the line.
Azurá Stevens played with quiet dominance, opening the game with the first four points and finishing with 11 points, 5 rebounds, a career-high 4 steals, and 2 blocks.
Rickea Jackson added 13 points and 5 rebounds, while Odyssey Sims ran the offense with 7 points and 6 assists, ending with a game-best +25. Rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker contributed 2 points, 2 boards, and valuable hustle minutes.
The Sparks dominated the paint, forced turnovers, and held Golden State to just seven points in the fourth quarter. Bench players like Mercedes Russell made key contributions. Although Rae Burrell exited early with a leg injury, her presence was felt.
Injury Update: Burrell will be out six to eight weeks, but is expected to make a full recovery.
With a final score of 84–67, the Sparks left no doubt: this is a new team with a new identity—and they’re ready to compete.
Game 2 – Lynx 89, Sparks 75
From Fire to Frustration
Home opener. 11,170 fans in the building. Magic Johnson courtside. But the vibe quickly shifted.
The Minnesota Lynx, 2024 WNBA Finalists, brought a level of physicality and playoff polish that challenged the Sparks from the jump. With the top-ranked offense and a top-5 defense, Minnesota exposed areas where this young Sparks team is still growing.
Kelsey Plum: From 37 to Fouled Out
Plum’s 37-point eruption in Game 1 made league history. But the Lynx refused to give her space. She was held to 18 points on 5-of-14 shooting, went 3-of-9 from deep, and fouled out late in the fourth.
“We have to get mentally tougher,” Coach Roberts said. “If we don’t get tougher, then it gets more concerning.”
Who Stepped Up
Azurá Stevens led the Sparks with 21 points, including four three-pointers and a +14 plus-minus. She looked comfortable in her role—and confident from deep.
“I thought Azurá has been playing really well from training camp until today,” said Coach Roberts. “She’s smart, she understands spacing, and this system really plays to her strengths.”
That confidence isn’t by accident. In a one-on-one practice interview, Stevens told me she wanted to extend her range this season and take more threes. “There are players I look forward to matching up with—Stewie, JJ—because they stretch the floor too. It’s always fun to challenge myself against versatile players.”
And it showed. Against Minnesota, she knocked down three consecutive threes with rhythm and poise. At 6’5”, her ability to space the floor changes everything for the Sparks.
Dearica Hamby also delivered, dropping 20 points and 10 rebounds to notch her 44th career double-double and move into 8th on the Sparks’ all-time rebounding list.
“This team is super talented one through 12,” Hamby said. “We saw last time it was KP. This time, it was me and Azurá.”
Odyssey Sims kept the ball moving with 6 assists, and Sarah Ashlee Barker added 6 points and 3 boards off the bench. Mercedes Russell remained steady defensively.
Injuries & Identity
Rickea Jackson, who had 13 points in Game 1, struggled early (1-for-11 FG) before leaving with a potential concussion. With Rae Burrell already out, the Sparks’ depth is being tested early.
“I spoke with Rae yesterday for a long time, and she’s doing okay,” Roberts said. “We were all worried it was going to be worse. She’ll be back and expected to make a full recovery.”
Still, as Jackson reminded us at media day: “We got dogs.” And it’s time to show it.
Final Thoughts
These ladies are tough. They’re talented. And they’ve got a coach who believes in them. One win, one loss—but the growth is showing game by game. This is just the beginning.
Next Up: The Sparks hit the road to face the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. PT.
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.