The Los Angeles Sparks faced a tough defeat against the Atlanta Dream, losing 88-82, despite standout performances from their veteran players and a strong late-game rally.
Forward Dearica Hamby made history by becoming the first player in WNBA history to record at least 28 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and four steals in a single game. Hamby showcased her skills with an impressive shooting performance, hitting 10 of 15 attempts from the field. In a notable achievement, she also moved up the ranks, now sitting 30th on the WNBA’s all-time rebounding list, surpassing Tammy Sutton-Brown.
Kelsey Plum contributed significantly to the team’s efforts, scoring 27 points with a shooting accuracy of 50% (10-for-20), including four three-pointers. With this performance, she surpassed both Leilani Mitchell and Allie Quigley, landing in 18th place on the WNBA’s all-time three-pointers list. Plum also reached a career milestone of 3,500 points and marked her seventh game with four or more steals.
Additionally, Azurá Stevens secured her 13th career double-double by scoring 10 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Odyssey Sims tallied five assists, moving past Swin Cash to claim the 28th spot on the league’s all-time assists chart.
As a collective unit, the Sparks displayed strong teamwork with a total of 23 assists, falling just one short of their season best.
Head Coach Lynne Roberts praised the efforts of both Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby, highlighting their exceptional contributions on the court. His comments reflected a deep appreciation for their talent and determination, mentioning the significant pressure they face and how effectively they handle it.
Despite the loss, the Sparks demonstrated resilience and skill, suggesting a bright outlook for the remainder of the season as they continue to strive for improvement and success. The potential shown by their veteran leaders bodes well for the team’s future endeavors in the league.