The Los Angeles Sparks might be struggling this WNBA season with a 5–12 record and sitting at 11th in the standings but there’s no denying that Azurá Stevens has been their brightest revelation, and their dark horse.
Stevens has swiftly transformed her game in 2025, delivering career-best numbers across the board. She’s averaging 14.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game, all personal highs. Even more impressive is her efficiency: she’s currently shooting 50.8% from the field this season, a huge leap from 39.9% last year.
A key part of that improvement? She’s expanded her range. No longer just a presence in the paint, Stevens is hitting corner threes and pulling defenses out to the perimeter. It’s given the Sparks’ offense a dimension they badly need, especially as they search for consistency and chemistry in a tough season.
Despite the team’s record, Stevens has shown up every single night. She’s played in every game so far, and she’s not just filling minutes, she’s setting the tone with her grit and versatility. While the Sparks have cycled through rotations and dealt with injuries, Stevens has been the steady force.
Her teammate, Dearica Hamby, says that’s no surprise, even if few outside the team talk about it.
“Yeah, I would just say she is very quiet" Hamby said, "She’s somebody... not in on the headline, so to say. But she’s been very consistent and she’s the x-factor for this team,”
Hamby also pointed to Stevens’ journey as part of what makes her such a key presence in the locker room.
“I mean, it’s her story to tell but leaving Chicago a few years ago was hard for her" Hamby said. "I think we came together at also a hard time for myself, me leaving Vegas... different head spaces for the both of us at the time." “And so to see her mature over the last couple years, is just like, believing (in) herself and stay steady despite anything that's happening.”
Stevens’ own approach is unflashy but effective. For instance, in answering a question about her mindset after a tough home loss to the Seattle Storm, she kept it simple and sweet.
“Yeah, just trying to be consistent," she said, "I just try to bring the same energy every night and it’s been working out but I just try to be consistent and approach every game being aggressive and knowing the things I need to do to help the team be successful. So just trying to bring that energy every single game."
It’s working. Even as the Sparks try to find their footing in the standings, Stevens is proving she’s the player they can count on. She’s been a winner everywhere she’s played before, and if the Sparks can turn this season around, it’ll be because their dark horse kept them in the race long enough to do it.