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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
