LAS VEGAS -- The Los Angeles Sparks walked into Michelob ULTRA Arena on a mission Wednesday and walked out with a 97-89 statement win over the Las Vegas Aces, thanks in large part to a breakout performance by Rickea Jackson, who torched the Aces for a career-high 30 points and added 7 rebounds.
This wasn’t just any win. This was a bounce-back performance against the Aces on their home court, the same Aces team that handed the Sparks a 96-81 loss less than two weeks ago. But this time, the Sparks flipped the script.
First Quarter: Rickea Sets the Tone
Rickea Jackson came out firing in the first quarter. She scored six of the Sparks’ first eight points, showing early that she was ready for the spotlight. By the end of the first quarter, she had poured in 14 points, including two threes, slicing through the Aces' defense with confidence and precision.
Jackson and Dearica Hamby ran a lethal two-man game, using pick-and-rolls to exploit mismatches. Even as Kelsey Plum hit a three to close the quarter, she also helped engage her teammates, setting the tone with strong defense and smart ball movement. The Sparks led 29-17, but their momentum did not stop there.
Second Quarter: Sparks Hit Their Stride
Coming out of the break, the Sparks found their rhythm. The ball was zipping around, players were cutting hard, and chemistry was shining. With A’ja Wilson struggling and eventually going scoreless before halftime, the Sparks capitalized.
Jackie Young’s explosive 16-point second quarter gave the Aces some hope, but the Sparks stayed composed. They shot a blistering 58.8% from the field in the first half, out-rebounded Vegas, and had 16 assists. By halftime, three Sparks, Jackson (14), Hamby (12), and Azurá Stevens (13), were already in double figures. LA led 50-41 and looked locked in.
Third Quarter: Aces Push Back, Sparks Hold
The third quarter was a game of runs. The Aces found some momentum, led by Young, Chelsea Gray, and Wilson, but Jackson didn’t flinch.
As the Aces rallied, Jackson stayed aggressive, pushing her total to 22 points by the end of the quarter. The Sparks’ younger, less experienced core showed some cracks, but unlike past games, they didn’t crumble in the third, a quarter that’s often been their Achilles' heel.
Fourth Quarter: Jackson Closes the Deal
The fourth belonged to Rickea Jackson.
With the game tightening and Vegas charging behind Jackie Young (who finished with 34 points), Jackson responded with big-time plays down the stretch. Whether it was knocking down key jumpers or getting downhill and drawing fouls, she delivered when it mattered most.
Hamby continued to attack, finishing with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. Stevens added 19 points. Four Sparks ended in double figures, and they needed every point to hold off Vegas.
“We were making the right play, moving the ball really well,” Jackson said postgame. “Great things like this happen. We all going to set a statement, not just one person.”
Coach Lynne Roberts echoed the sentiment: “We were really aggressive and fearless… that’s what we have to play like. When [Rickea] gets going downhill, she’s so athletic and strong and long, it’s a tough guard for anybody.”
Final Score: Sparks 97, Aces 89
The Sparks cleaned up several issues that plagued them in their last loss to the Aces. Despite committing 16 turnovers, they shot efficiently and stayed disciplined. Their ability to keep Wilson in check, rebound effectively, and move the ball (career-high in team assists) gave them the edge.
This win marks the beginning of a two-game road trip for LA, and they couldn’t have asked for a better start. Rickea Jackson made sure of that.