Los Angeles, CA – Once upon a time in 1979 a business man named Jerry Buss purchased the, ” Fabulous” Forum,” the Kings hockey team and the Lakers. He paid what was then then a staggering sum of $67.5 million dollars.
The NBA was struggling with low television ratings and many people questioned the move. Now forty six years later the investment has paid off handsomely. Mark Walter has purchased the Los Angeles Lakers for an astonishing $10 billion dollars. The owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers now has two of the most coveted sports franchises in the history of professional sports.
Thus it is certainly the end of an era. The magic that the Buss family brought to the Lakers franchise cannot be understated. With Jack Kent Cooke the Lakers were pretty good. When the Buss family came in and took over the reins of the team you now had something that was legendary.
Jerry West- Wilt Chamberlain- Kareem Abdul Janbar- Norm Nixon- Earvin “Magic” Johnson- Pat Riley- James Worthy-Kobe Bryant- Phil Jackson Shaquille O’Neal-Derrick Fisher-Pau Gasol-Lebron James- Anthony Davis- Luka Doncic.
Jerry West’s half court shot at the buzzer.. Kobe to Shaq alley oop against Portland.
Robert Horry last second three pointer against Sacramento that sent the Staples Center crowd into an unmatched frenzy.
And Ron Artest hitting the three against the hated Celtics in game 7 of the finals. After a rare pass from Kobe Bryant, Artest exclaiming with sheer joy, ” he passed me the ball!”
Memories to last a lifetime.
His daughter, Jeanie Buss, took over as principal owner after Jerry died in 2013, making her one of the most powerful women in sports.Jeanie Buss will stay on as governor after the sale.
Her tenure as principal owner helped usher stability, and restored pride in the Purple and Gold.
Magic Johnson, five time Laker champ and minority Dodgers owner knew Walter and Buss shared the same vision for the Lakers. That vision means winning.
“Mark Walter is the best choice and will be the best caretaker of the Laker brand,” Johnson posted on X.
“The proof is in the pudding on what he’s been able to accomplish with the LA Dodgers. Mark has been nothing short of a winner notching 2 World Series and 11 NL West divisional titles in the last 12 years!”
Los Angeles, CA – The Seattle Storm started the game showing that this was a business trip defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 98-67.
The Sparks did have a bright spot with second year player Rickea Jackson taking charge on offense 17 points along with 8/8 from the free throw line. Driving to the basket and making the defense collapse on her.
“We miss her (KP), Odyssey and Allemand, all our three guards.”, said Lynn Roberts Sparks coach, “The point guard spot is so big.”
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
Nneka Ogwumike came back to Crypto.com Arena showing why she still is walking bucket with 26 points and 5 rebounds to lead the Storm.
With three minutes left in the game the Sparks substituted their starters out the game accepting the defeat.
Jackson did get little support tonight from Azura Stevens who scored 16 points & 10 rebounds for another double-double.
“We have enough here to get it done,” said Stevens, “I have to start focusing on my defense first.”
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
The Seattle bench was a strong force for this 31-point victory. Alysha Clark dropped 14 points from the bench.
The offense kept the ball moving for Seattle all night with 29 assists as a team. This allowed their front court to score 15 points apiece from Skylar Diggins and Erica Wheeler.
Roberts in the postgame press conference pointed out that there were points in this game that they were playing three hardship players at the same time. She didn’t want it to be an excuse just their current reality.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
“I’m more concerned about our defense.” said Roberts.
Games like this should do one or two things push them to excel or drive them to give up. From listening to the coach and seeing the energy on the court late in the game this team is going to continue to fight.
The Sparks will have few days to practice and regroup before traveling to Minnesota to face the Lynx at 5pm on NBA TV.
Las Vegas, NV – Los Angeles Sparks Rickea Jackson came out hot in Las Vegas sweltering 110 degrees weather at the Michelob Ultra Arena, Wednesday night, hitting a total of four threes, all in the first quarter, and finishing with 30 points to lead the Sparks, 97-89, over Aces.
Jackson scored 14 points in the first quarter onto a career high on efficient shooting, going 11-17 from the field goal, 4-8 from behind the arc, and 4-5 from charity strip.
“Rickea [Jackson] hit a couple threes that made everybody feel really confident and that set the tone,” coach Lynne Roberts said. “Her confidence and aggressiveness, I think that everyone fed off of it…”
Following Jackson’s display of versatility for a dominant performance, her teammates backed her up with four of the five starters posting double digits, while the team overall shot 50 percent including an impressive 85 percent from deep and 78 percent from the field for that 29-point first quarter scoring buffet of three pointers, fast break points along with a plethora of shots made off Sparks’ assists.
“Everybody played loose and aggressive, and the plan was to really move the ball,” coach Roberts explained. “[Kelsey Plum] did a good job of that, finding other people.”
Sparks defensive effort came also with early high intensity effort against Aces superstar Aja Wilson, who scored the first point of the game for the Aces, hitting one of two free throws but struggled most of the game to find her footing before abruptly leaving in the third quarter with a head injury.
Sparks used their versatility and positionless offensive style to their advantage in this game matchup, getting more of their team involved early in the game, beyond their usual top two scorers, Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby.
On the other end, it appeared the Aces dared Jackson to shoot early in the game as she quickly embraced the challenge warming up with three consecutive triples to give her team a 11-9 advantage.
Odyssey Sims and Plum dished to their front court a lot more instead of looking to shoot first and rewarded them with giving the ball in opportune scoring positions that kept the Aces on the back of their heels. Hamby, Jackson and Azurá Stevens all got transition layups in the open court after hustling up the floor, surpassing Aces’ front court defenders.
Despite early foul trouble for Stevens, she bounced back in the second half finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season. Her frontcourt duo partner, Hamby, finished with 19 points too along with eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
“Dearica [Hamby] again almost with a triple double, seven assists, I don’t know many centers in this league getting those kinds of numbers,” coach Roberts said.
Aces were led early by their starting guards Chelsea Gray and Jewel Lloyd, who came in shooting a career low 20 percent as Aces looked early to get her rolling though Jackie Young would soon have to take over this responsibility to keep her Aces in the game. Young finished with a game high 34 points off 50 percent shooting from the field.
Young also guarded her former teammate, Plum, most of the game, keeping her second return to her former team’s arena relatively uneventful as Plum finished with only 14 points but shelled out nine assists and went nine from nine at the free throw line.
“After each game, win or lose, we just continue to build and we were just focused on making the right plays,” Hamby said reiterating Jackson’s statement. “We have a very, very talented roster and so, if we continue to make the right plays, we’ll make the right shots.”
LA (4-7) will continue on the road able to take this win as a much-needed confidence booster into a tough, undefeated Minnesota on Saturday.
Los Angeles, CA – Kelsey Plum and Los Angeles Sparks suffered their second home loss to Golden State Valkyries, 89-81, at Crypto Arena, Monday night in Los Angeles after missing an opportunity in the paint to win in regulation that instead led into a barren offense during overtime followed by frustration with officiating.
Downtown LA or LA Live, had two star-filled events scheduled around the same time across from each other as the BET awards opened their main show at the Peacock Theater while during the Sparks tip off against the Valkryies for an electrifying matchup that quickly turned into an early deficit for LA when Golden State’s Janelle Salaun made two of her 21 points to lead her team against Plum, whom led all scorers with 24 points in 41 minutes.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
Plum had a visibly tough night with a couple of scars to show for on her face and body, which she wanted to discuss during the press conference rather than respond to a question about her team’s lack of execution, particularly limited offensive production in overtime.
“I’m going to get fined for saying this,” Plum continued. “But I drive like more than anyone in the league, so to shoot six free throws is [expletive] absurd. And I get scratched on my face, scratched on my body, while these guards on the other team get these ticky-tack fouls.”
Both teams drew around 25 fouls for the game and shot around 25 free throws, balancing the calls by the officials.
Sparks gained their first lead of the game off a pair of free throws made by Emma Cannon with less than a minute remaining in the first quarter.
The Valkryies responded swiftly with their bench play scoring back-to-back buckets from Monique Billings to take the lead, 25-23, entering into second quarter.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
Golden State continued on a tear until a full timeout by the Sparks midway through the second quarter helped slow the Valkryies momentum and shift to the Sparks after a nifty fadeaway 15-footer from Rickea Jackson off an offensive rebound, to bring the Sparks within four, 31-35.
This led into a Sparks run to close the half, while taking the lead up to four, 44-40, behind a Dearica Hamby’s layup with an assist from Azurá Stevens.
Hamby and Plum accounted for 29 of Sparks 44 points in the half, as they continue to combine for the highest scoring duo in the league. Hamby finished with a near double-double, 20 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Plum recorded her 1,000 career assists, dishing out seven in the game counterproductive to another off-shooting night as she eventually fouling out of the contest.
Opening the second half both teams seem to settle into their game plan and turn up their competitiveness on both sides of the floor to keep the scores within range, letting neither team break free from more than a two-possession lead.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
For LA, more ball movement and contribution from others outside of Plum and Hamby as Julie Allemand came in the third with high energy to give her team the lead with a triple, 65-63.
Golden State answered, tying the score at 65 with two free throws from Veronica Burton.
The Valkryies whom look now to have found their stride this season as a first-year expansion team presented a well-balanced offensive attack by some well-oiled coaching with five players scoring in double figures, including two off the bench. However, LA’s defense held Valkryies’ Burton to nine points, whose previous scoring outputs were in double digits. Valkyries’ center Temi Fagbenle finished with a double-double, 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Kayla Thornton, whom struggled off and on through the game, but kept being aggressive on both ends, nailed a 25-foot jumper with less than 40 seconds in the game to stamp her team as the winners, thrashing the Sparks final hope of a comeback.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
Los Angeles succumbed to their fourth loss, dropping to 3-7, now with a short turnaround to face Las Vegas Aces (4-3) Wednesday in Las Vegas whom also just loss to Golden State (4-5).
San Francisco, CA – The Golden State Valkyries broke a four-game losing streak with a dominant 95-68 win over the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday at Chase Center, fueled by a +40 plus-minus performance from guard Veronica Burton and a smothering defensive effort against A’ja Wilson.
Valkyries Torch Aces 95-68 as coach Nakase faces former mentor Becky Hammon in emotional win in front of sold-out crowd at Ballhalla.
Photo by Trisha Victorio / fi360 News
Burton posted a career-high 12 assists along with 14 points and seven rebounds, orchestrating Golden State best game of the season.
Kayla Thornton led all scorers with 22 points and added 11 boards, while Monique Billings also notched a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Cecilia Zandalasini scored a career-high 18, and rookie Kate Martin added 12, including a buzzer-beating three to end the first half.
The Valkyries never trailed, hitting a franchise-best 95 points. Martin’s deep three gave Golden State a commanding 49-28 halftime lead that Las Vegas never challenged.
Aces star A’ja Wilson still finished with 17 points, but head coach Natalie Nakase said the game plan was clear: “We just wanted to show her multiple bodies as much as we could. She’s the best player in the world.”
Photo by Trisha Victorio / fi360 News
Nakase, a former Aces assistant, faced her former boss, Becky Hammon, for the first time and credited Hammon with preparing her for a head coaching role. “I literally said, ‘I learned everything from you,’” Nakase shared postgame.
The Valkyries head south to face the Los Angeles Sparks on Monday June 9th. With their momentum restored, Golden State looks to break their 1-1 series tie with L.A. and continue building toward playoff contention.
LA METRO JOINS THE LOS ANGELES SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION AS THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC TRANSIT PROVIDER FOR
THE LOS ANGELES WORLD CUP 2026 HOST CITY
Metro Partnership to Enhance Fan Experience, Provide Affordable, Stress-free, and Low-impact Transportation Options
LOS ANGELES (June 6, 2025) – The Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC) is proud to announce that the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is now a Host City Supporter and the Official Public Transit Provider for the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host City as the region prepares to welcome eight matches for the FIFA World Cup 26™.
“Metro’s partnership with the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission marks a major step forward in how we welcome the world to Los Angeles. As the Official Public Transit Provider for the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host City, Metro will help ensure that fans can get to these unforgettable events safely, sustainably, and seamlessly,” said Janice Hahn, Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor.
This partnership underscores Metro’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and fan-firstexperiences—setting the stage for a seamless journey to the heart of the action across the region. As Los Angeles prepares to welcome the world, Metro’s extensive network of buses and trains will play a pivotal role in connecting fans, both local and from around the globe, to the games, official fan zones, hotels, and cultural landmarks. By providing reliable public transit services, Metro aims to reduce traffic congestion, minimize environmental impact, and ensure a seamless experience for local and international visitors.
“Metro is delighted to be teaming up with Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission as the Official Public Transit Provider for the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host City,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “We are committed to leveling up our public transit system in the next few years – not just for these big events, but for all Angelenos to use and enjoy for decades to come. We look forward to working with LASEC to support our region and all the people who call LA County home.”
To ensure fans have a seamless experience for all these events, Metro will launch a dynamic public awareness campaign to educate the public and promote using public transportation to experience LA with ease. This milestone partnership is part of Metro’s larger transit-first vision as Los Angeles gears up for a once-in-a-generation convergence of sports and entertainment, culminating in the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“We’re thrilled to have Metro on board as a Host City Supporter for what promises to be an extraordinary decade of major events right here in Los Angeles,” said Kathryn Schloessman, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission and Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host City Manager. “Metro’s dedication to sustainability and smart, efficient transportation is a natural fit with our mission to create positive, memorable experiences for fans. Their support will help us move people effortlessly throughout the region, ensuring that both local communities and visitors from around the globe enjoy everything LA has to offer during this exciting stretch of major events.”
For more information about Metro’s services and LASEC’s initiatives around the upcoming major events, please visit LASEC.net, losangelesfwc26.com and metro.net.
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About the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission
The Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC) is a non-profit organization officially designated to attract, secure and support high-profile sports and entertainment events in Los Angeles and serves as the lead for the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 and Super Bowl LXI Host Committees. LASEC connects local businesses and communities with these major events to create lasting economic, cultural, and social impact for the region. For more information, visit: LASEC.net
About the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee
The Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee was established to deliver a premier FIFA World Cup 26™ experience and drive lasting social, cultural, and economic impact for the region. We serve as the liaison between FIFA and the Los Angeles region to harness opportunities surrounding the tournament to elevate our community. The Host Committee is co-chaired by LAFC Co-President Larry Freedman and former U.S. Men’s National Team player Chris Klein, led by the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC), and includes the Los Angeles Rams, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), and LA Galaxy. For more information, visit losangelesfwc26.com.
About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries a million boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 118 bus routes utilizing more than 2,200 low-emission buses.
Dallas, Tx, The Los Angeles Sparks cooked the Dallas Wings in their arena 93-79 on Friday night to snap a three-game losing skid led by Azurá Stevens’ 21 points, whom came undone with a career-high five threes, and Dearica Hamby serving across the paint for 20 points, following a three day practice break in between games.
“We were intentional with rest and giving high-minute players, less reps in practice, or just a little time off,” Coach Lynne Roberts said. “but it was a good reset and it was a good reset for me. To be able to hone in on what we were running that was working and what wasn’t, now, I feel like I understand these players a lot better…[to] play to their strengths.”
This was the first time of the season, LA shot as a team over 50 percent for a game while their starting front court, Stevens and Hamby delivered over 20 points for the fourth time.
“I’ve been playing with [Dearica Hamby] now [for] my third year, and I think we complement each other really well,” Stevens explained. “We have similar skill sets, we’re both really active defensively and offensively, and it’s been great playing with her.”
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
In addition, Odyssey Sims, who appeared full of excitement to return and play in Dallas against her former team after posting 32 points in their previous game against Phoenix, dropped 19 points including multiple “and 1s” plus three triples.
“It’s always good to come home. I feel like the fans, they love me like I never left. But I will say I’m happy where I am,” Sims explained. I think I’m here for a reason. I finally found a home. I love my teammates, no shade to Dallas at all.… I love this coaching staff.”
LA held a 45-40 lead at halftime after Sims completed her first three-point play to close out the first half with less than 3 seconds remaining. Sims scored nine points at halftime, Stevens, 13 and Hamby added 11.
The Sparks opened the third quarter on a 11-0 run and repeated another strong start in the fourth with a 9-0 run taking a 76-55 advantage.
“They’re adapting well. It takes time, but I think we can look back at a couple of our really close losses and not really blame our offense,“ coach Roberts said pregame press conference. “We’ve got to get stops. So right now, I’m looking for us to just lock in a little bit with a little more urgency defensively…If you look at a couple weeks ago to now, everything’s clicking better. People are figuring out their roles, where their shots come from, and how they can help add to winning, but now we need everybody to add to winning on the defensive side.”
The Sparks locked in their defense, seemingly listening to their coach’s pregame, especially in the third quarter when they limited the Wings to only 15 points.
Dallas played without their two primary offense facilitators, including top draft pick, Paige Bueckers, while committing three turnovers and having no answers for the Sparks opening run in the fourth.
Coach Roberts shared how her team won every quarter this game as Kelsey Plum facilitated more for her teammates on tonight, including a highlight dish to Stevens to make her career high 3-pointer on a wide-open shot from the corner off her nice drive.
Plum added 11 points, five rebounds and nine assists still short thus far of reaching her goal for double digits in assists
and Rickea Jackson return to scoring double figures, raking in 10 for her first game back since missing their last game due to personal reasons.
“Rickea [Jackson] looks great. She’s had three really, really good days of practice, so she’s back in the starting lineup, which is awesome,” coach Roberts said during pregame press conference. “We’re a better team with her present.”
For Dallas, DiJonai Carrington led all scorers with 16 points. JJ Quinerly had a career-high 14, Luisa Geiselsoder had 11 points and 10 rebounds for her first double-double. Kaila Charles added 10 points.
Dallas (1-8) has allowed 90-plus points three times during its four-game losing streak. LA (3-6) recorded a season-high with 93 points and led by as many as 24 points in the fourth quarter.
The Sparks return home to play the Golden State Valkyries for the fourth time this season after an upsetting loss at home on Monday, June 9, 7pm.
San Francisco, CA- The Golden State Valkyries fell 86–75 to the undefeated Minnesota Lynx on Sunday night at the Chase Center, but not without making a statement — and showcasing a breakout performance from crowd favorite, Kate “Money” Martin.
Martin scored a career-high 14 points in a red-hot second quarter that helped the Valkyries take a slim halftime lead. Her energy and confident shooting gave Golden State a spark, earning loud cheers from the home crowd and highlighting her growing role in the lineup.
Photo by Trisha Victorio / fi360 News
Despite the strong start, the Lynx pulled away in the second half behind Napheesa Collier’s 24 points and 11 rebounds. Courtney Williams added 20, leading Minnesota to its seventh straight win.
Head coach Natalie Nakase has emphasized development and culture in the franchise’s inaugural season, and that focus was evident. Golden State moved the ball well, played aggressive defense, and continued to build chemistry on both ends of the floor. “They stayed in the fight and that’s what I love about this team,” Nakase said.
Martin, nicknamed “Money” by her teammates, her fans called “Martinis”, has quickly become a fan favorite, — and Sunday’s performance proved she’s more than just a spark plug. “It’s honestly incredible, when you have a fan base that just sticks with you through highs and lows of the games and cheers you on. It does bring us energy…to have such supportive fans, it really does help,” Martin says.
Photo by Trisha Victorio / fi360 News
The Valkyries dropped to 2–4 but showed they can compete with top-tier teams. They’ll aim to carry that momentum into a nationally televised game on June 7 against the defending champion, the Las Vegas Aces.
As the season continues, the Valkyrie’s foundation — built on effort, growth, and emerging talent like Martin — is clearly taking shape.
Los Angeles, CA – The Sparks had one last chance in regulation trailing by two-point to tie or win the game only six seconds on the shot clock and 29.5 in the game so Mercury was due a possession any way. Sloppy play would lead to costly turnover and the game.
After few empty possessions and fouls the Mercury won 85-80 in this Commissioner Cup game.
To think the score was all tied up 74-74 with 3:26 in the game and it was time for somebody to step up for either team.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
The Mercury stuck first with a deep three from the side by Satou Sabally and defensive stop, followed by another 3-pointer by Monique Akoa Makani and just like that 80-74.
Sabally finished with 24 points, nine rebounds and two assist to allow for the win.
Jump ball with 1:06 on clock was won by the Sparks to give them a chance but after two misses and an offensive rebound it wasn’t looking good.
“Frustrating, this a completive group and this game came down to poor shooting,” said Lynne Roberts Sparks head coach, “We just didn’t make shots tonight.”
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
Down the stretch there were few calls the fans were pretty vocal and let their collective voices be heard. The Sparks continued to push through the adversity of allowing the Mercury to comeback and making this a game.
The Sparks jumped to a 50-37 lead at half and just needed to keep that same hunger for the remained of the game.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
After the half the Mercury jumped out to 10-1 run cutting lead down to 51-47 by six-minute mark to push the Sparks to find a basket fast. Their halftime adjustments were just too much for the Sparks.
To start the fourth quarter Mercury held 61-59 lead, after taking over in the third quarter outscoring the Sparks by 15 points.
Mercury called a time with 3:53 left in first quarter after the Sparks take quick 18-14 lead from a blazing start by Odyssey Sims dropping 11 points. She finished with 32 points, five rebounds, and four assists to carry the load.
“I wanted to keep my foot on their neck,” Sims said.
Kitija Laksa took over to start the game to allow for the Mercury to keep pace early, but by the end of first quarter the Sparks stretched their lead to 10 points 27-14. The quarter finished with a story book three pointer by Sims that gave her 14 points in the quarter.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
The Sparks ball movement was flowing with give and go’s to backdoor cuts, Azurá Stevens moving without the ball getting open. In the second half the ball just kept stopping in one players hand.
The tell of two halves was the end of the story today after the Mercury counter punched the Sparks that left them dazed.
The Sparks will practice this week and fly to Dallas to play the Wings on Friday June 6th.
Los Angeles, CA – Rickea Jackson saw 12 minutes of action in her return on Tuesday night, then appeared emotional after her team’s 88-82 loss in spite of the LA Sparks late rally in the game led by her teammates, Dearica Hamby and Kelsey Plum, 28 and 27 points, respectively.
“It’s a dose of perspective, right?” Coach Lynne Roberts said. “[Kelsey Plum]’s been amazing and there’s a lot of pressure on her, but she’s done a great job handling it.” Coach Roberts added about Hamby, “[Dearica] just been having unbelievable stat lines.”
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
As for the Atlanta Dream, Allisha Gray led her team with 25 points despite her team almost squandering a 17-point lead before taking down the Sparks with Gray’s four clutch free throws to end the game.
“They [Dream] play in transition and they banged really timely threes,” Plum said. “This league is extremely tough and if you take your foot off the gas for a second…people make you pay.”
The Sparks continue to move the ball better within coach Roberts “not so new anymore” structured offense. Hamby dished eight assists and four steals, refusing to let her team go down without a fight, reading the defense and hustling down loose balls.
“We talked about the versatility and the way the offense is set up,” Hamby said. “I’m usually the first person to touch the ball, so…it helps having Kelsey here and just making the right reads.”
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
Both Plum and Hamby sparked an early fourth quarter 12-0 run to cut down the lead to single digits, 66-63.
“I don’t think we were able to execute our game plan defensively at the level we wanted, particularly in second half,” coach Karl Smesko said. “You just have to give them credit, we had a big lead and they refused to quit.”
The Dream’s Shatori Walker-Kimbrough and starting guard Rhyne Howard hit back to back triples, keeping Atlanta ahead after the Sparks’ Plum nailed a three-pointer of her own to cut the lead, 71-70, a little passed the midway point in the final quarter.
Azura Stevens hit a triple for the Sparks to make it 81-77 with less than a minute left in the game, but Naz Hillmon’s answered with a dagger from the top of the key to put Atlanta back up by seven.
Five Dream players including two off the bench scored in double figures. Howard had 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Brionna Jones scored 13 points, Hillmon 11 and Walker-Kimbrough 10.
“We have a lot of good players and anyone can step up any day,” coach Smesko said.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
Hamby had six rebounds and another game with stats full across the board. Plum finished also with five assists and tied Hamby with four steals. Stevens scrapped for a double double 10 points and 11 rebounds after experiencing her first game of the season where she struggled in the first half.
Both teams started the game scoring within a minute from tip-off. Gray drove clear pass Sarah Ashlee Barker for a left handed layup, followed by Hamby’s drive pass Nia Coffey to the basket, drawing a quick foul and nailing both free-throws.
After several lead changes and three score ties, Maya Caldwell sinked a 3-pointer for Atlanta to go up 16-15 at the end of the first quarter. Hamby and Plum would keep their team in the game, with eight points apiece to close the half, 40-31.
The Sparks came close within six, 51-45, halfway through the third quarter after a three-point play by Plum, but the Dream’s next three possessions was a sequence of a layup and short jumper by Gray then a step back 3-pointer from Howard for a 58-45 lead. Even though the Sparks shot 47 percent in the third, Hamby and Plum combined for 35 of those 53 points entering the fourth quarter.
LA Sparks played most of their roster’s active players except rookie Sania Feagan as well as still playing without Rae Burrell and Cameron Brink, whom are still rehabbing their way back onto the team’s active roster.
“My message to the group was, we’ve got to be able to put 40 minutes together, not get down and then play with urgency,” coach Roberts said. “You can’t let a missed shot, a bad shot, a turnover, affect how you play defensively and I think we could get better at that.”
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
While Jackson missed a couple of shot attempts on limited action, a total of 12 minutes, as expected from Coach Roberts pregame press conference comments that she would play off the bench, gradually into the fold in compliance with the concussion protocol. Yet, Jackson, a crowd favorite and rising, versatile 2-way player, coming off a remarkable first team all- rookie season, expected to carry that momentum into this season as she continues to look for her breakthrough moment with the new coach’s system and roster improvements.
When avid Sparks supporter and former Saturday Night Live (SNL) Comedian Leslie Jones saw the usually bubbly Jackson after the game on the court, a more somber Jackson fell into her arms for a nurturing embrace that Jones would later share during her arena departure, the context of their private exchange though seen in public for which even compelled Atlanta’s Howard to interject with words of encouragement.
“Rickea is like my little sister, ever since college we’ve had a close relationship,” Howard said. “I just reminded her of who she is that she is a great player, a great person and if she ever needs anything that she can reach out to me.”
Whereas Jones did not share specifically her personal message to Jackson but did offer an exclusive public service announcement of how to uplift not only Jackson but the Sparks in general.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
“These are human beings, they’re not just basketball players and they have feelings, fears, insecurities like everybody else,” Jones said. “We as a crowd need to love them and support them no matter how much you think they’re doing bad or whatever because they are [expletive] humans…playing for us, giving their heart so we ought to give that [expletive] back!”
Atlanta (4-2) played without their star veteran center Brittney Griner, who sat sidelined near NBA superstar Kevin Durant rather than on her team’s bench.
The Sparks (2-4) will have a longer break in between games as they prepare to hit the road for their Friday’s game, where Plum and Hamby return together to play their former team, the Las Vegas Aces.
