The Los Angeles Sparks’ regular-season finale against the the Golden State Valkyries was less about the result and more of a celebration of Nneka Ogwumike. (That was good for Los Angeles since the contest ended with them blowing a lead in the final minutes and losing 76-75.)
With the LA superstar forward announcing earlier in the season that this would be her last year in the WNBA, that made this the final game of Nneka’s historic career.
The Sparks presented her with a hero’s goodbye. The stadium
was packed and energized. Every fan received a Ogwumike shirt, and signs read “Thank you Nneka!” on one side and “On her terms” on the other.
Prior to the game, head coach Lynne Roberts spoke about enjoying this special night, saying:
I want to be present. Not be driven by anything other than just being in the moment.
We’ve talked a lot as a group of just emptying the tank and leaving this season on a good note of competing to the best of our ability, coaching the best of our ability, and doing everything we can to send her out the right way.
Before LA’s starting lineup was announced, a touching tribute for Ogwumike was presented. Then fans gave her the largest reaction of the season when her name was called.
Once the game started, it was business as usual for Ogwumike.
She scored LA’s first points and went to work, fighting for rebounds, converting in the paint and competing hard.
Before the second quarter began, another video tribute for Ogwumike played. This time it was all of her teammates and her coach wishing her well in retirement.
Typically, players rush to rest during the halftime break, but this contest was far from ordinary. Instead of relaxing and recharging, Ogwumike hung around to greet her fellow 2016 Sparks teammates, who were being honored for the 10th anniversary of their title.
When play resumed, Nneka set another record.
After a defensive rebound, she earned her 19th double-double of the year, making her the Sparks single season leader in that category. For the game, she would finish with 17 points and 15 boards, along with five assists.
LA was ahead the majority of the game. When a basket was needed, Ogwumike was there. Midway through the fourth she hit a midrange jumper and after converting it she spun around and clapped her hands together emphatically.
Even in her last game, 15 years in, she had the hunger and fire of a rookie.
Unfortunately, Ogwumike couldn’t go out on a win. The Valkyries erased a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit going on a 17-4 run to finish the game and snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat.
Given the close score, Ogwumike didn’t get to be subbed off and hear the cheers from her fans. Luckily, the Sparks did have one last tribute for the future Hall of Famer.
Sparks president Stacy Johns also spoke and announced that the player sanctuary at the new practice facility would be named the “Nneka Ogwumike Player Sanctuary.”
Ogwumike tearfully looked on as the image was placed on the jumbotron.
Then, Ogwumike addressed her Sparks fans one last time, before calling it a career.
I just want to say, you guys [Sparks fans] really changed my life. I’m so grateful to have these teammates. This year wasn’t what we expected, but as you saw, we’re gonna compete every night.
Ogwumike stayed for as long as possible taking pictures and signing autographs for the LA faithful. Even in her final moments she was all about doing everything possible for those that love the sport.
It’s the end of an era, but Ogwumike is just getting started. Whether she is part of an ownership group, lands a role with the WNBA or is just an ambassador of the game, her basketball life is far from over. She shared:
I definitely still want to be involved, when it comes to being some type of resource to growing this game. It’s something that will probably never leave me. But I’m looking forward to seeing what that is. I think the beauty about it right now is that, maybe there are doors that I haven’t seen yet that are going to open.
Coming up for Ogwumike will undoubtedly be her jersey retirement and a statue just like the one Lisa Leslie now has. Those celebrations are years from now. In the meantime, this was a fitting celebration for a legendary career.
After the game, Roberts emphasized:
I think it was just a special night to celebrate her. You saw how these fans adore her. And so for her to get that moment, those moments, and really get the spotlight and the flowers is really special. I know we all wanted to get the win for her, for us.
But maybe, tonight’s just about her.
This night was absolutely about Nneka.
It gave Sparks fans a bit of joy in a season where happiness was hard to come by. And while Ogwumike is now retired, her impact will be felt forever.
