Los Angeles, CA – The Seattle Storm was too much for the Los Angeles Sparks in a 89-83 defeat at Crypto.com Arena. Despite keeping pace closing out quarters well they still didn’t have enough to stop the Storm.
Jewell Loyd led her team scoring 30 points, 7 assist and 6 rebounds from her guard position. Temmate Nneka Ogumike had double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds another solid performance for 13th year veteran.
“Nneka willed that team to the finish line today.” said Sparks coach Curt Miller “Talked to the team let them know how proud of our growth and play.
Late in fourth quarter Storm tripled team Hamby in the paint and forced a pass to Stevens who dropped a much need 3 pointer to give Sparks a 73-71 lead. Then Loyd answered quickly by scoring and getting a foul to take lead back 74-73 5:50 in the game.
11 point run by the Storm was enough to frustrate the Sparks and start to put the game out of reach.
“We came up short with a team who has a clean injury report, she was huge for us tonight (Azura),” said Miller.
Going into the 4th quarter the Sparks were still in striking distance down 64-61. It was a real balance attack which help the Sparks stay in the game till this point. Jackson still playing big had huge points even few hustle points through out the game.
This Sparks team continues to find ways to score in first three quarter but still needs a leader to step up once team clamp down on Hamby. The return of Azura Stevens has been very helpful she led today with 24 points shooting 3-5 from the three-point land.
Rae Burrell from the off the Sparks bench had 18 points playing starter minutes making the most shooting 5-7 (71%). Making a case to get more and more minutes. Hamby did score 15 points with 9 rebounds.
“At this level players care more about closing the game verse starting,” said Miller when asked can Burell be starter or best to be the 6th player.
Ezi Magbegor raced down the court in closing second of the half only to be rewarded by a great entry pass form Diggins-Smith to get layup and 41-37 lead at half. The Sparks were battling to keep the game close.
Storm guard strong scoring accounting for half teams points Loyd and Horston both with 10 points each and combined 8 assists. Looking for more opportunities as the game continued.
The Storm came out strong to start the game behind guard Horston who dropped 8 points. By the end of the quarter the Sparks had clawed back to only trail by 2 points 19-17. Rae Burrell off the bench two three pointers to led her team along with Hamby who also scored 6 points quick 4 rebounds.
The return of Nneka Ogumike to Crypto.com Arena was big even with it being Sparky’s Birthday. The Storm came into today’s game as 5th Seed in WNBA.
The teams will have a short break for WNBA All-Star game in Phoenix followed by an Olympic break. Some of the WNBA top players will play for Team USA and for 3-3 USA Women’s team.
