L.A. Sparks Lose Another Close One Against Phoenix Mercury
Initially strong 18-point advantage slips away in disheartening defeat against the Mercury
The Sparks couldn't secure a win against the Phoenix Mercury in their latest matchup at Crypto.com Arena. Despite building an 18-point lead, the Sparks were outplayed in the third quarter and eventually lost with a final score of 85-80.
The third quarter proved to be the Sparks' undoing once again. After being outscored 24-9 in the third quarter in their previous encounter, the Sparks struggled once more, only managing seven points in this crucial period. This offensive slump, combined with defensive breakdowns, allowed the Mercury to rally back and claim victory.
In the opening minutes of the third quarter, the Mercury went on a scoring surge, reclaiming the lead with a 21-5 run. The shift in momentum was apparent, as the game turned into a physical, chippy affair. A turnover by Kelsey Plum and a subsequent foul on Kitija Laksa sealed the deal for Phoenix, with Laksa making two free throws to expand the Mercury's lead to four points.
Leading scorer for the game was Odyssey Sims, who finished with a game-high 32 points. Sims consistently attacked the basket, utilizing her aggressive style to keep the Sparks in contention. However, her effort alone wasn't enough to secure a much-needed win for the Sparks, who will now play eight of their next 11 games on the road.
Before the game, Sparks coach Lynne Roberts emphasized the importance of consistency in transition defense, avoiding prolonged bad stretches, and fluid ball movement for a successful third quarter. Unfortunately, none of these factors materialized against Phoenix (5-2). Despite a strong first quarter, the Sparks struggled in the second half, with Plum going 1 for 13 in the second half and ultimately finishing the game with 15 points and six rebounds.
The teams traded leads early in the fourth quarter, but the Sparks couldn't maintain their momentum, falling to the Mercury for the third consecutive loss.
Bonus Insights:
- The Sparks' struggles in the third quarter seem to be a recurring issue, with a lack of offensive consistency and defensive breakdowns playing significant roles in their losses. If they want to turn things around, addressing these issues will be crucial.
- Odyssey Sims has been the Sparks' most consistent scorer this season, using her aggressive style to keep her team in games. However, the rest of the team will need to step up their performances if the Sparks hope to reverse their losing streak.
More to Read:
- Dearica Hamby and Kelsey Plum rally Sparks, but their comeback falls short
- Kelsey Plum's 28 points help Sparks end losing streak
- Sparks left frustrated after furious comeback fades in loss to Valkyries
The Sparks' game against the Phoenix Mercury was played at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Despite a strong first quarter, the Sparks were outplayed in the third quarter once again and lost with a final score of 85-80, making it their third consecutive loss in the WNBA. This decline in performance in the third quarter appears to be a recurring issue for the Sparks, as they struggle with offensive consistency and defensive breakdowns in this crucial period. Leading scorer for the game was Odyssey Sims, who finished with a game-high 32 points, consistently attacking the basket with her aggressive style. However, the rest of the team will need to step up their performances for the Sparks to reverse their current losing streak, as they prepare to play eight of their next 11 games on the road. In the coming weeks, articles such as "Dearica Hamby and Kelsey Plum rally Sparks, but their comeback falls short," "Kelsey Plum's 28 points help Sparks end losing streak," and "Sparks left frustrated after furious comeback fades in loss to Valkyries" will provide further insights into the Sparks' season, particularly focusing on their struggles in the third quarter and Odyssey Sims' impact on the team.
