The Los Angeles Sparks pressed to keep their playoff hopes alive in a tense road showdown with the Phoenix Mercury, but a late third-quarter ankle scare for Rickea Jackson added a fresh hurdle. LA sits one game under .500 and ninth in the standings, while Phoenix is riding the momentum of a strong season led by MVP contender Alyssa Thomas.
The injury happened late in the third as Jackson’s left ankle bent after contact with Satou Sabally. She exited the floor, grimacing, with the arena quiet as the Sparks trailed 70-57 with 40.5 seconds left in the quarter. It was a moment fans hoped wouldn’t be serious, and Jackson did manage to walk off under her own power. The team later confirmed she headed to the locker room, leaving a worried crowd to monitor the update.
Jackson had already supplied a spark for LA, starting the fourth quarter back on the floor at 5:51 remaining. She went on to post 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three, plus three rebounds and one assist. She energized the Sparks with early threes and became the first player in double figures for L.A. before the end of the opening period. Afterward, coach Lynne Roberts said Jackson tried to return but acknowledged she was laboring and that a big stretch was coming up, so it wouldn’t be fair to keep her in.
In a game where Jackson supplied steady scoring, Dearica Hamby stood out for LA—dropping a game-high 25 points to go with eight rebounds and five steals. Kelsey Plum contributed 20 points and four assists, Rae Burrell added nine points and five rebounds in a late surge, and Cameron Brink chipped in four points, five boards and a block in 14 minutes. Azurá Stevens struggled offensively with three points in what was otherwise a tough night for her.
Jackson has been a crucial part of the Sparks’ success this season. In matchups where she scores 20 or more, Los Angeles is undefeated at 8-0. She also sits near the top of the league in first-quarter scoring, averaging 5.8 points per period, and has shown a knack for delivering in close games. She’s been a go-to option in crunch time, including buzzer-beater moments against the Liberty and a double-overtime effort against Seattle that produced 27 points.
The injury history this season adds to the concern. Earlier in May, Jackson collided with Alanna Smith and missed three games due to concussion protocol before returning under a minutes restriction on May 27. She sat out two more games for “personal reasons,” and now another ankle scare raises questions about her availability for upcoming games, including the Sept. 1 matchup against the Mystics.
Phoenix, meanwhile, capitalized on a late third-quarter run to push the lead, then extended it with timely 3-pointers from teammates after LA’s push. The Mercury were highlighted by a 9–0 burst in the third, capped by Kahleah Copper’s and-one, with Satou Sabally and Taylor Westbeld adding back-to-back triples to answer Sparks’ resistance and keep momentum in Phoenix’s favor.
What this means going forward for LA is a mix of resilience and roster management. Hamby’s big night shows the depth the Sparks can lean on when Jackson is limited, but the team will need to monitor her workload and ensure she’s healthy for the stretch run. With a crucial game against the Mystics on the horizon, LA will look to tighten its defensive effort and sustain offensive rhythm even if Jackson’s status is uncertain.
Fast take: The Sparks remain in striking distance for a playoff berth, driven by Hamby’s leadership and Jackson’s clutch scoring. But ankle and health concerns threaten to complicate their rotation as they navigate a competitive Western Conference slate. Fans will be watching Jackson’s availability closely as LA aims to keep pace with a demanding schedule and capitalize on every opportunity down the stretch.
Summary: A spirited Sparks performance featured 21 points from Rickea Jackson and a standout 25-point, 8-rebound, 5-steal effort from Dearica Hamby, underscoring LA’s depth as they fight for a playoff spot. Jackson’s ankle injury added a layer of uncertainty heading into a key game against the Mystics, while Phoenix leveraged a late third-quarter run to extend its momentum. The team’s path to the postseason remains narrow but achievable, with continued contributions from star players and a need for continued defensive grit.