The rivalry between the Los Angeles Sparks and Seattle Storm reached new heights in their recent matchup, delivering one of the most electrifying games of the WNBA season. The Sparks secured a dramatic 94-91 victory, thanks to a clutch three-point play by Dearica Hamby with just 5.6 seconds remaining. The game featured multiple lead changes, intense defensive battles, and standout performances from both teams.
MSN Sports reported that the win moved the Sparks within half a game of the Storm in the Western Conference standings, intensifying the playoff race.
First Half Momentum Swings
The Storm came out blazing, capitalizing on the Sparks’ sluggish start. Seattle built a 16-point lead in the first quarter, holding Los Angeles to just five points in the opening 8:50. Nneka Ogwumike led the early charge with seven points, showcasing her veteran leadership and scoring prowess.
- Storm’s early lead: 16 points in the first quarter
- Ogwumike’s contribution: 7 points in the opening minutes
- Sparks’ response: 32 points in the second quarter
- Key turnaround: Nine points in the final 70 seconds of Q1
- Halftime score: Sparks lead by nine
- Bench impact: Cameron Brink scored 14 points in 11 minutes
- Julie Allemand: 8 assists and 3 steals
- Rickea Jackson: 9 points and clutch plays
Sporting News highlighted the Sparks’ explosive second quarter and their ability to shift momentum.
Star Performers and Game-Changing Plays
Brittney Sykes led all scorers with 27 points, keeping the Storm competitive throughout the game. Her back-to-back layups in the fourth quarter tied the game at 91-all, setting the stage for Hamby’s heroics. On the Sparks’ side, Kelsey Plum contributed 20 points and 7 assists, while Azura Stevens added 15 points and 8 rebounds.
Dominique Malonga, just 19 years old, recorded her third career double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds, proving she’s a rising star in the league. Skylar Diggins chipped in 17 points and 6 assists for Seattle, continuing her streak of games with 3+ assists.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brittney Sykes | 27 | 4 | 2 |
| Kelsey Plum | 20 | 6 | 7 |
| Dominique Malonga | 20 | 11 | 1 |
| Skylar Diggins | 17 | 3 | 6 |
WNBA.com provided a full breakdown of individual performances and team stats.
Controversial Officiating and Coach Reactions
Seattle Storm head coach Noelle Quinn voiced strong criticism of the officiating, particularly the lack of free throws awarded to Skylar Diggins, who played 43 minutes without a single trip to the line. Quinn’s frustration stemmed from what she described as a pattern of inconsistent calls throughout the season.
- Diggins’ stats: 20 field goal attempts, 0 free throws
- Team comparison: Storm 19 FT attempts, Sparks 25
- Coach’s challenge: Controversial out-of-bounds call
- Quinn’s statement: “It’s ridiculous. It’s been happening since game one.”
- Impact: Sparks tied the game after the disputed call
- Technical fouls: Quinn has yet to receive one this season
- League response: No official comment yet
- Fan reaction: Mixed opinions on social media
MSN Sports captured Quinn’s postgame remarks and the broader implications for league officiating.
Playoff Implications and Season Outlook
With the win, the Sparks improved to 15-16, just behind the Storm at 16-16. Both teams are battling for the final playoff spots alongside the Washington Mystics. The Sparks’ recent surge—winning five of their last seven games—has reignited their postseason hopes.
Seattle, meanwhile, has dropped five straight games and must regroup quickly to avoid slipping further in the standings. Their next matchup against the Indiana Fever will be crucial in determining their playoff trajectory.
- Sparks record: 15-16, 5th in Western Conference
- Storm record: 16-16, 4th in Western Conference
- Playoff race: Four teams within two games of each other
- Next games: Sparks vs. Liberty, Storm vs. Fever
- Key injuries: Katie Lou Samuelson (Storm) remains out
- Home vs. away: Sparks stronger on the road
- Fan attendance: Nearly 12,000 at Crypto.com Arena
- Broadcast: ESPN and ABC coverage continues
ESPN’s gamecast offers full stats, play-by-play, and win probability charts.
Where to Watch and What’s Next
Fans can catch future matchups between the Sparks and Storm on ESPN, ABC, and WNBA League Pass. The rivalry continues to be one of the most compelling in the league, with each game delivering high drama and elite performances.
As the regular season winds down, both teams will need to tighten their defense, improve late-game execution, and rely on their stars to carry them into the playoffs.
Final Thoughts: The Sparks vs. Storm rivalry is more than just a game—it’s a showcase of grit, talent, and heart. With playoff stakes rising, expect more fireworks in their next encounter.