The Los Angeles Sparks faced a tough defeat against the New York Liberty on Thursday night, losing 89-79 in a close contest at Barclays Center that featured 11 lead changes and eight ties. Forward Dearica Hamby stood out in the game, scoring 25 points, tying her season high with 10 field goals, while also contributing nine rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks.
The Sparks welcomed back guard Julie Allemand, who returned after a seven-game absence due to EuroBasket where she played a pivotal role in Belgium’s championship victory. Allemand scored a season-high 10 points in her return, alongside three assists and two rebounds in a game-high 37 minutes. Another notable return came from guard-forward Rae Burrell, who had been sidelined for 16 games but managed to add five points to the team.
Kelsey Plum also had a strong performance, not only achieving a season-high with seven rebounds but also recording a game-best eight assists while efficiently converting 9 of 10 free throws. Forward-center Azurá Stevens added 12 points, matching her season high with four assists and four blocks.
The Sparks showed good offense, shooting 48.2% and outscoring New York 40-34 in the paint. They demonstrated teamwork by assisting on all 14 of their made field goals in the second half.
Head Coach Lynne Roberts emphasized the importance of growth from the loss, suggesting that while they aim for improvement, they must also recognize the differences in team development compared to more established teams like New York. “It’s just… different. They returned everybody… and we’re building,” she remarked.
Allemand reflected on her return to the lineup, saying, “It’s not easy to come back… but I really think that with this group, we can do a lot.” Her optimism for the team’s potential to come together as they continue adjusting is echoed by the roster’s healthy status.
Azurá Stevens highlighted the resilience shown by the team during challenging moments, noting, “When teams [punched] us in the past, we’ve… let the game slip away, but I’m proud of the way that we fought back.”
Overall, while the loss was disappointing, there were significant takeaways regarding player returns, team cohesion, and an enduring spirit to learn and grow, which provides hope for the Sparks as they look to improve in their upcoming matches.