ARLINGTON, Tex. -- And the losing streak has been snapped.
The Sparks were in control for most of the time against the shorthanded Wings. Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts wanted her 40 minutes and she got it in Dallas. They snap their three-game skid, 93-79.
For the second time all season, the Sparks won all four quarters. The team has always had trouble with, at least, one quarter in each game, particularly in the third.
It was also their first game since Sunday and that break was really needed for Los Angeles.
“It was much, much needed those days, and we were intentional with rest and giving high-minute players, less reps in practice, or just a little time off, but it was a good reset and it was a good reset for me," said Coach Roberts. "To be able to hone in on what we were running that was working and what wasn't, and now I feel like I understand these players a lot better in terms of what they're able to do (to) play to their strengths.”
Azurá Stevens had a game-high 21 points and made a career-best five threes.
“I'm incredibly proud of (Azurá Stevens), but beyond the scoring, obviously the scoring, 8 for 11, 5 for 8 from (the three-point line), she was so active," Roberts beamed. "Defensively rebounding, even the ones she didn't pull down, she was tipping them. Just a really, really tremendous performance from her, and she's been consistent. That's what I appreciate about her is she shows up the same way every day. Total pro.”
Odyssey Sims scored 19 against her former team.
“It's always good to come home," Sims said about coming back to Dallas. "I feel like the fans, they love me like I never left. But I will say I'm happy where I am. I think I'm here for a reason. I finally found a home. I love my teammates, no shade to Dallas at all. I love my teammates, I love this coaching staff. We're continuing what we're trying to build, and where our end goal is, I think we're in the right direction.”
It helped that the Sparks made shots (.556). The Wings only shot .425 from the field. The ball movement was a lot more crisp. Not a lot of forced passes as the Sparks took better care of the ball; they only had 12 turnovers before the rare garbage time in L.A.'s favor set in.
Dearica Hamby put in 20 points. Kelsey Plum nearly got a double-double with 11 points and nine assists. Rickea Jackson scored 10 on her return back to the court. So that meant all five starters scored in double figures.
On the other side, DiJonai Carrington led the Wings (1-8) with 16 points. Rookie JJ Quinerly had 14 while Luisa Geiselsoder had a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards. Of note, Arike Ogunbowale was limited to eight points as she shot 4 for 10 from the floor.
The Sparks are now 3-6 overall and have a 1-1 Commissioner's Cup record but it's not going to get easier when they go back home. They will face the Valkyries once again on Monday, who are 1-1 against them this year.