LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Sparks ended their six-game home losing streak with a 92-88 win over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. Four Sparks players scored in double figures, led by Kelsey Plum’s 23 points, as they held off Connecticut’s late push to secure their second home win of the season.
First Quarter: Jackson leads early push
The Sun won the tip and got on the board quickly through Jacy Sheldon, but the Sparks came out with strong energy, moving the ball well and attacking early. Rickea Jackson scored 11 points in the opening quarter, accounting for half of the Sparks’ 14 points before the first media timeout.
Connecticut stayed hot from the field, led by Sheldon’s eight first-quarter points, and took a 30-27 lead at the end of one. Rookie Sania Feagin logged early minutes off the bench, stepping in after Mercedes Russell was waived.
Second Quarter: Back and forth
The Sparks forced two quick turnovers to open the second quarter, but Connecticut kept finding answers, with Bria Hartley and Saniya Rivers contributing steady offense. Feagin added a highlight block on Hartley, while Julie Allemand distributed well, tallying five assists in the half.
Jackson stayed aggressive, finishing the half with 17 points and 3 assists. Dearica Hamby added 13 points, 3 assists and 4 rebounds by the break, helping LA keep pace. The Sun led 49-47 at halftime.
Third Quarter: Stevens sparks momentum
Azurá Stevens hit two quick threes to open the third, scoring the Sparks’ first six points of the half. LA and Connecticut traded defensive stops and hard fouls as the game grew more physical, with Jackson adding a big block.
Hartley kept Connecticut in it with strong shot-making, while Plum and Stevens both delivered key baskets to keep the Sparks in front. Rae Burrell closed the quarter with an acrobatic layup to give LA a narrow 69-67 lead.
Fourth Quarter: Closing strong
The Sparks opened the fourth with a young lineup, using Burrell’s energy and Feagin’s defense before their veterans returned to close. Nelson-Ododa fell into foul trouble and eventually fouled out, opening space inside for Hamby and Stevens.
Plum stayed hot from three and attacked the rim late, finishing with 23 points. The Sparks’ core four, Hamby, Jackson, Plum, and Stevens, controlled the closing minutes despite a late push by the Sun. Rivers kept Connecticut close with timely scoring, but LA held on to secure the 92-88 win. Plum led the way with 23 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Stevens added 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Jackson contributed 19 points, 4 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Hamby chipped in 17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
Stevens highlighted the team’s resilience in handling Connecticut’s late runs, saying, “They came back and hit some runs but we found a way to answer. It shows maturity and growth.”
Plum explained her approach in crunch time, adding, “I’m trying to stay patient, pick my spots. I think we’ve gotten better at our spacing, I thrive in space.”
Coach Lynne Roberts praised Stevens’ steady presence, noting, “She’s had a great season. We’ll take another double-double from her or five-for-eight from three, she’s just steady.”
What’s Next
The Sparks finally snapped their six-game losing streak, but there’s little time to celebrate. At 7-14, they’re still fighting to stay in the playoff picture with the All-Star break approaching. Consistency, defense, and closing out games remain big question marks.
They’ll need to build on Sunday’s effort and lean on their core four to carry the load when they face the Washington Mystics on Tuesday. If they want to turn the season around, finding trust, spacing, and disciplined defense will be key, and this game was a clear example of that.