Sparks Come Up Short in Overtime Loss to Valkyries
The Los Angeles Sparks missed an opportunity for their first consecutive wins of the season in an 89-81 overtime loss to the Golden State Valkyries on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby combined for 44 points, but the Sparks were outscored 11-3 in the 5-minute overtime period, missing eight of their nine field-goal attempts.
First Half
Plum had 24 points and seven assists and Hamby had 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Golden State’s Kayla Thornton made a 3-pointer with 37.9 seconds left in overtime to help the visitors beat the Sparks (3-7) for the second time in three meetings so far this season. Plum missed what would have been a game-winning floater as time expired in regulation.
Post-Game Reaction
After the game, Plum went off about the officiating, noting that she only had six free-throw attempts (she made all of them) in 41 minutes. “I’m going to get fined for saying this but I drive more than anyone in the league so to shoot six free throws is [expletive] absurd,” Plum said. “And I’ve got scratches on my face, scratches on my body and these guards on the other team get this ticky-tack fouls and I’m sick of it.
Coaching Perspective
Sparks coach Lynne Roberts said her team did not lack effort in the loss. “We just couldn’t convert but I really think our players played their butts off,” Roberts said after the game. “We just couldn’t make shots and I would echo what Kelsey says.” Roberts also expressed her support for Plum’s opinion on the officiating, saying "Maybe I’ll get fined too, that will be fun."
Game Highlights
The Sparks led 75-74 with less than a minute remaining in the fourth quarter. Salaün drew a foul and made both free throws to give Golden State (4-5) a 76-75 lead with 47.5 seconds left. The Sparks regained the lead when Plum delivered a step-back 3-pointer with 37.8 seconds left. Thornton then missed a layup, but Temi Fágbénlé grabbed the offensive rebound and rookie guard Carla Leite’s finger roll tied the score at 78-all with 25.1 remaining.
Rebounding and Free Throws
Golden State dominated the glass, outrebounding the Sparks 49-34 (17-6 at the offensive end). The Valkyries finished the night 20 for 23 at the free-throw line, while the Sparks shot 14 for 19 at the free-throw line in the first half.
Up Next
The Sparks will play at Las Vegas (4-3) on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Sparks are 0-1 against Las Vegas this season after losing 96-81 on the road on May 30.
Conclusion
The Sparks’ overtime loss to the Golden State Valkyries was a disappointing result, especially given the strong performances from Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby. The team will look to bounce back in their next game against Las Vegas.
FAQs
- What was the final score of the game? The final score was 89-81 in favor of the Golden State Valkyries.
- Who led the Sparks in scoring? Kelsey Plum led the Sparks with 24 points.
- What was the reason for Kelsey Plum’s frustration after the game? Plum was frustrated with the officiating, feeling that she was not getting enough foul calls despite driving to the basket frequently.
- What is the Sparks’ next game? The Sparks will play at Las Vegas on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Kelsey Plum goes off about not getting foul calls in the Sparks’ 89-81 overtime loss to the Golden State Valkyries at home.
Plum said she anticipates being fined but she said it was important to advocate for herself.
Sparks coach Lynne Roberts supported Plum’s opinion. pic.twitter.com/3zsJsb7YFV
— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) June 10, 2025
Los Angeles Sparks coach Lynne Roberts on Rickea Jackson being back in the Sparks starting lineup and her defensive impact as a wing defender. pic.twitter.com/xRfTMlgkF5
— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) June 10, 2025
Natalie Nakase on the Golden State Valkyries control their own destiny on the road against the Los Angeles Sparks. pic.twitter.com/mpYVgv7Z8U
— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) June 10, 2025
Originally Published: June 9, 2025 at 9:55 PM PDT
