LOS ANGELES -- Sunday’s win against the Sun offered a glimpse of what the Sparks could be if their top quartet continues to click. Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Rickea Jackson, and Azurá Stevens combined for 78 of the team’s 92 points, with Dearica, Azurá, and Rickea alone delivering 57.
Their balance is exactly what LA needs to climb back into playoff contention. Jackson’s aggressive scoring and versatility make her a matchup problem every night. Coach Lynne Roberts praised her impact, saying, “Rickea was phenomenal and aggressive, she’s a tough guard.”
Hamby’s defensive leadership remains just as critical. Roberts singled out her pick-and-roll defense, adding, “Dearica’s defense particularly in the pick and rolls [stood out].”
Stevens continues to be the steady glue, pulling down rebounds, stretching the floor, and making the kind of hustle plays that change games. “That was a championship play, just D running back, getting the block, and I think it’s sending a message that we are trying to build those habits,” Stevens said.
Roberts also highlighted Stevens’ underrated impact: “Z doesn’t get the respect she deserves.”
With Plum orchestrating the offense and delivering in crunch time, this “core four” gives the Sparks the foundation to stay in the playoff race, if they can keep defending, sharing the ball, and delivering big plays in clutch moments.
Sunday’s win doesn’t erase the Sparks’ early-season struggles, but it’s the kind of performance they need to replicate if they want to stay in the playoff hunt. With the “core four” leading the way and showing signs of chemistry and resilience, the blueprint is there. The question now is whether they can deliver it consistently, especially with the All-Star break looming and every game mattering that much more.
