LOS ANGELES — The Sparks fell short again.
Seattle used an 11-0 run in the fourth quarter, lifting the Storm to an 89-83 victory over the Sparks at Crypto.com Arena.
The Storm led by as many as 12 points before the Sparks pulled to within 73-71. That's when Seattle scored 11 unanswered points. Los Angeles was able to pull back to 84-80 but the Sparks lost the free-throw game.
The Sparks fell to 6-18 entering the Olympic break.
Still, Sparks coach Curt Miller was proud of what they've done despite the losses.
"Proud of our growth and proud of our play," Miller said. "While it's not always equating into wins, we've come a long way since May basketball here in the W with a very young team.
"(The Storm) did a really nice job. Nneka (Ogwumike) willed that team to the finish line. Played with incredible intensity and passion."
Miller said he saw growth from his team in the loss.
Curt Miller talked about what growth he saw from the team in this game. @SportingTrib @FredoCervantes pic.twitter.com/T7VNas4WPf
— 𝐑𝐞𝐲-𝐑𝐞𝐲 (@TheNoLookPass) July 16, 2024
"We're finding more of a rhythm on who to play through and where to get them the ball," Miller said. "Our defense is starting to grow.
"You can see that things they weren't executing early on, they're starting to execute."
Miller also praised Rickea Jackson, who scored 16 points.
"Rickea has learned so much as a rookie," Miller said. "She really belongs. There's not enough about what Rickea Jackson is doing.
"She's having a tremendous rookie year and there's more than just a couple of rookies in this class. I hope the national buzz continues to pick up because she really really has a bright future."
Azura Stevens registered a team-leading 24 points and a career-best 15 boards.
Azura Stevens talked about the post play against the Storm. Azura had a career-best 15 boards. Q by @djtriceytrice.@SportingTrib @FredoCervantes pic.twitter.com/9SG1DVOqZE
— 𝐑𝐞𝐲-𝐑𝐞𝐲 (@TheNoLookPass) July 16, 2024
"We all know Nneka in this room," Stevens said. "She's one of the most decorated players, especially rebounding-wise so it was just a focus for all of us.
"We know we had to try to keep her off the glass."
Former Sparks wing Nneka Ogwumike had 23 points and 10 rebounds for the Storm. She talked about the legacy of the Sparks before the game.
"I came into the house that Lisa (Leslie) built, that Candace Parker) built. And I wanted to be a part of that foundation," Ogwumike said. "I hope we can still see that even when I'm not here."
Sparks reserve Rae Burrell score a season-high 18 points while Dearica Hamby added 15 points and nine rebounds. Jewell Loyd led the Storm with 30 points to go along with six rebounds and seven assists.
Jackson's former college teammate in Tennessee, Jordan Horston, scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
The Sparks are off until Aug. 15, when they host the New York Liberty at Crypto.com Arena.