The Sparks lost their rematch with the Chicago Sky, 96-82, on Friday night. Los Angeles is now on a three-game losing streak.
In this game, they had 17 turnovers and went 6-26 from behind the arc for 23%. LA only had 14 bench points to Chicago’s 28.
Erica Wheeler got things going early for LA with a layup. Every Spark that started scored a bucket. Nneka Ogwumike entered the Sparks history books, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer after converting on a midrange jumper.
Azurá Stevens was leading the Sky with six points.
The Sparks were close to ending the quarter on a 7-0 scoring run until Jacy Sheldon converted on a three-point play. Los Angeles was only up by one despite shooting 44%, compared to Chicago’s 35%. Dearica Hamby and Wheeler combined for eight points.
Sydney Taylor knocked down a 3-pointer for the Sky to start the second period. Dearica Hamby was fouled on the other end and converted on both free throws. Chicago continued to cook, scoring seven in a row, leading to a timeout by LA.
Nneka was the only Spark generating consistent offense in the quarter, scoring seven and pushing her point total to 12. She was the first Spark in double figures. At the 4:10 mark, Los Angeles was down by nine.
Gabriela Jaquez scored eight points off the bench for the Sky. The purple and gold were down by 13 at halftime. Chicago outscored them 33-19 in the quarter.
Nneka got the first points of the third period. The Sparks were off to a strong start to the quarter, going on a 9-3 scoring run. Stevens stopped some of the bleeding for the Sky with a layup. Nneka had the answer with a layup, but Chicago scored five in a row soon after.
Los Angeles started to erupt, scoring eight straight to make it a six-point deficit. The Sky responded with four in a row to make it a double-digit lead again. Cameron Brink drained a much-needed triple. She also had a big-time block on Elizabeth Williams.
Hamby was fouled and converted on one free throw that made it a six-point deficit for LA, going into the fourth period.
The final frame began with Kamilla Cardoso scoring on a layup. Sheldon also drained a 3-pointer, making it a double-digit lead once again for Chicago. The contest continued being a game of runs as the Sky were now on an 8-0 spurt.
A handful of fouls were given, leading to a few free throws. Ariel Atkins drained a much-needed triple for LA. At the 4:56 mark, Los Angeles was down by 12. The teams exchanged baskets, keeping Chicago’s lead at a dozen.
Courtney Vandersloot scored a quick five points in a row that helped keep the Sky up. The Sparks had no answer in the fourth and never mounted a challenge down the stretch.
Key Player Stats
Nneka finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Hamby ended with 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Wheeler pitched in with 14 points, four rebounds and four assists. Rae Burrell logged nine points with five assists.
Cameron Brink had nine points with six rebounds and two blocks. Atkins scored nine points with five assists.
The Sparks’ next game will be against the Dallas Wings on Sunday at 10:00 PM PT.
You can follow Karin on Twitter at @KarinAbcarians.
