LA Sparks left dreaming on opening night

Long Beach, CA- The LA Sparks kicked off the 2024 season with a quick nightmare dropping their opening game 92-81 to the Atlanta Dream at Long Beach State Pyramid. Despite keeping pace for 3 quarters it wasn’t enough to walk away with a win.

The Dream was lead by Rhyne Howard who scored a game high 25 points with court mate Tina Charles who grabbed 14 rebounds with 21 points. Having this one two punch mounted up to much for the Sparks to overcome.

For the Sparks Dearica Hamby was on the court more then any player with 38 mins and scoring 20 points, 14 rebounds. She will be called upon to lead this team night in and night out.

New point guard Kia Nurse didn’t disappoint leading the Sparks with 23 points in 32 minutes.

“There is a huge energy around women’s basketball right now,” said Nurse “The energy was incredible, the showed out and our fans came out.”

Photo by Jerry Kelly

The Sparks kicked off the game with 7-0 run, that by second quarter Dream were on top. The teams were tied at end 1st, half, 3rd quarter.

Howard was able to push her team by example with 50.07% from the field, with a 47.1% from behind the arc.

Getting into the numbers the Dream dominates the paint (+20) with 50 points in the paint. They also lead with fast break points 19/10 making a close game favor the Dream by outworking the Sparks.

Before the game coach Miller spoke with the media about this 40 games season in the WNBA.

“I’m really excited for our league wide,” said coach Miller “We are throwing a ton at them new terminology, new rules.”

The Sparks will look for their first win of season as they will travel to Las Vegas to take on the WNBA Champions on Saturday May 18th at high noon on ABC as a marquee matchup.