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The Los Angeles Sparks didn’t seal the victory against the Dallas Wings in a game full of intensity and dramatic swings, falling 84-83 for their fourth lost of the season. Despite a dramatic fourth-quarter recovery, the Sparks couldn’t hang on to their advantage in the game’s waning seconds.
The Sparks started the game extremely cold, missing numerous shots that they normally make. Cameron Brink seized charge offensively, scoring five straight points, including a three-pointer, but both teams remained tied throughout the first quarter. The Wings pulled ahead by three, but Dearica Hamby’s three-pointer knotted the game. After a brief advantage by LA, the quarter ended with the teams knotted again.
In the second quarter, the Wings found their groove, hitting shots at a higher rate and pushing ahead by seven. Brink’s shooting kept the Sparks in the game, while the Wings’ size and length tested the Sparks’ defense. Despite Yueru Li’s late effort, the Wings led 49-42 at halftime.
Rickea Jackson replaced Layshia Clarendon in the starting lineup during the third quarter due to a head injury. Although the Sparks cut the gap to four at one point, the Wings rallied by expanding their lead to ten. Hamby continued to dominate the boards, capturing 11 by the end of the third, but the Sparks trailed by seven heading into the fourth.
The fourth quarter was a turning point for the Sparks. Their offense took off, with Yueru Li and Hamby leading the charge, trimming the score to three. Aari McDonald’s long-range shot and Yueru’s three-point play tied the game, and the Sparks led for the first time since the first quarter.
However, the final minutes were suspenseful as the Wings regained their one-point lead. Maddy Siegrist’s layup made it three and after missed opportunities by Brink and Hamby, Arike Ogunbowale’s free throw secured the win for the Wings. Lexie Brown’s last-second three-pointer was insufficient, as the Sparks lost by a single point.
Cameron Brink was a star, scoring 21 points on 7-12 shooting, including three 3-pointers, while also grabbing two rebounds, three assists, and three blocked shots. Brink and A’ja Wilson are the only WNBA players to score 12 or more points and block two or more shots in the first quarter of a game. She tied Brittney Griner and Elena Baranova for the most blocks (16) through five WNBA games.
Dearica Hamby also had a standout effort, finishing with 19 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists, making her the fourth player in WNBA history to reach 100 points, 65 rebounds, and 15 assists in five games. Li Yueru had her finest game of the season, tallying 10 points and nine rebounds. Kia Nurse achieved a career milestone with her 300th WNBA assist.
The Sparks bench made a major contribution, scoring 27 points in total. Despite the setback, the Sparks showed persistence and the ability to make great comebacks. They will try to rebound in their next game against the Indiana Fever on Tuesday at 4:00 PM PT.
Watch the Los Angeles Sparks vs. Dallas Wings Highlights Below!
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