Los Angeles, CA- Unfortunately, it didn’t go the Sparks way with a final score of 90-74 in favor of Atlanta. Over the past three weeks Los Angeles is 3 -8, with all three of those victories coming against Dallas.
Coming off a loss at Atlanta, the Los Angeles Sparks (7-11) entering tonight’s night’s game at Crypto.com Arena looking to even the score with the Dream (8-8).
Nneka Ogwumike(30) who was named a 2023 WNBA All-Star, had another impressive
double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Azura Stevens(23) added a double-double of
her own, with 16 points and 12 rebounds for Los Angeles. Jordin Canada(21) finished with 13
points and 7 assists.
Los Angeles opened the second quarter down fifteen points, but guard Karlie Samuelson(44)
led a small comeback by hitting a three-pointer as soon as she checked-in. Samuelson’s help
would be short lived as she was pulled after taking two very hard falls and taking a step that
“Didn’t feel well” according to Miller.
“We challenged them at halftime” said Sparks coach Curt Miller, “and you know, to hold that
talented team to just 39% shooting in the second half is a victory and something we can build
on.”
“There’s a lot of victories tonight for us and none more than the character it showed when they
came out of the locker room.”
Allisha Gray(15) of Atlanta had a team high 23 points and 6 assists and Cheyenne Parker(32)
and 14 points and 11 boards. Dream’s Rhyne Howard(10) coming off a 43 point performance
the last time these two teams played, had another productive game with 15 points, 6 assists and
5 rebounds.
When asked about Howard not being selected as an 2023 All-Star, coach Tanisha Wright said
“she is definitely All-star caliber and I think that shows in the production that she’s had this
season.”
The Sparks have been no stranger to adversity this season and have had to deal with players
missing a total of 52 games because of illness or injury. Samuelson will have x-rays on her foot
and will be ruled out until those result are in. Miller also shared that Rae Burrel(12) played 16
minutes tonight while battling strep throat.
Los Angeles will face the Phoenix Mercury(3-13), Sunday July 9th, at Footprint Center.
