Sparks lose against Sky after Parker's retirement ceremony

LOS ANGELES -- It was a celebration of Candace Parker on Sunday afternoon.

But the Sparks couldn't bring home the win for her. The Sky had a big fourth quarter from Angel Reese and company and Chicago took the W, 92-85.

Angel Reese scored 11 points and grabbed four boards in that fourth quarter. Sparks Coach Lynne Roberts mentioned before the game that no matter how much it's talked about or how much it's drilled, Reese still comes up with the boards.

"Honestly, I just feel like we have to learn how to finish games," forward Emma Cannon said. "And it's not necessarily what the other team does. It's just about us actually digging in and finding and finishing. So like I said, that's something we're working on. We've been playing a great 30 minutes but we have to put it all together."

Reese had a big game, which included 16 boards. Forward Dearica Hamby made a note of that physical play.

"I think it's always physical," Hamby said. "Both ways, it was physical tonight. I was more intentional in being assertive, demanding my spots, and getting hit from the high-low from my teammates."

Coach Roberts agrees.

"It is insanely physical," Roberts said. "The players are so explosive and powerful and strong and aggressive so I think it's a hard game to officiate in terms of that. But I think we gotta decide: are we gonna let it be physical or are we gonna not? And players will adapt."

Aside from the game, Sparks great Candace Parker's jersey was retired at halftime. Coach Roberts talked about their little conversation during the game.

"She was commenting on how I was able to coach in heels," Roberts joked. "We talked about our outfits so it was very high intense.

"But it was great to see her. The bigger victory today is the celebration of her," Roberts continued. "We would've loved, I think we all wanted to win for her so it's disappointing. It's kind of extra disappointing. But I don't want our play to take away from what an incredible human being and basketball player Candace is and what she has meant to our sport and to all of us. And she has her name written on all over our game."

While the Sparks "only" turned the ball over 16 times, the fourth quarter saw Los Angeles give it away seven times. 

Kelsey Plum led the Sparks with 22 points and seven assists. Dearica Hamby had another double-double with 20 points and 10 boards. Azura Stevens had a quick start on her way to 17 points. Emma Cannon came off the bench for a season-high 15 points.

As for the Sky, Angel Reese had a dominant game with 24 points, the aforementioned 16 boards, and seven assists. Ariel Atkins had 20 while Kia Nurse (14 points) and Rachel Banham (13 points) hit timely three-pointers.

Sparks (5-12) have yet to win two in a row. They'll have a few days off before playing the Liberty in New York on Thursday.