Introduction to the Game
The Sparks were hot early but blew an 18-point lead in a disappointing 85-80 loss to the Phoenix Mercury at Crypto.com Arena Sunday. Sparks guard Odyssey Sims scored 14 of her game-high 32 points in the first quarter.
First Half Dominance
However, it was a tale of two halves for the Sparks, who dropped to 2-6 overall, with their losing skid extending to three games. The Sparks shot 36.6% in the game (26 for 71), including 22.9% from beyond the arc (8 for 35). The Sparks missed all 15 of their 3-point attempts in the second half.
Post-Game Comments
“We keep saying the same things over and over,” Sims said. “We’re kind of beating a dead horse at this point but it’s going to be less talking about it and more doing it. Applying it starts in practice and transition on the court. At some point, we’ve got to see some improvement, and we’ve got to be better all around.”
The Sparks led 50-37 at halftime but were outscored by a 24-9 margin in the third and trailed 61-59 heading into the fourth quarter.
Third Quarter Struggles
“We know the third quarter has been our struggle right now,” Sims continued. “So we’re going to continue to approach every game like we’ve been approaching game 1, continue to figure out what we can do. There’s not anything specifically, we just have to figure it out. Hopefully, sooner than later.”
Fourth Quarter Turnaround
Sims’ and-one put the Sparks back up 62-61 with 9:41 left in the fourth. Sims made two free throws to the Sparks back up 67-65 with 7:23 remaining.
“She’s been incredible,” said Sparks guard Kelsey Plum when asked about Sims’ impact this season. “She’s one of the fiercest competitors in the league. She plays both sides of the ball.”
Final Minutes
Satou Sabally’s 3-pointer gave Phoenix a 70-67 lead with 6:24 left in the fourth. Dearica Hamby’s and-one tied the game at 74 with 4:11 to go. Back-to-back 3-pointers by Sabally and rookie guard Monique Akoa Makani gave Phoenix an 80-74 lead with 2:36 left. Plum made four straight free throws to make it 80-78.
Conclusion
The Sparks were unable to regain the lead, ultimately falling to the Mercury 85-80. The loss marked the Sparks’ third consecutive defeat, dropping them to 2-6 on the season. Despite the disappointing outcome, the team remains focused on improving and finding their rhythm.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The Phoenix Mercury won 85-80.
Q: Who led the Sparks in scoring?
A: Odyssey Sims scored a game-high 32 points.
Q: What was the Sparks’ biggest lead in the game?
A: The Sparks’ biggest lead was 18 points in the second quarter.
Q: When is the Sparks’ next game?
A: The Sparks will play at Dallas on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
Sparks postgame press conference after the team’s 85-80 loss at home to the Phoenix Mercury.
Los Angeles Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts on Rickea Jackson taking personal time away from the team and why the Sparks need to do the simple things for 40 minutes to have a good shot against the Phoenix Mercury.
Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts pregame press conference before playing the Los Angeles Sparks.
