Sparks win fifth straight with comeback over Chicago

WNBA 2019: Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 11, 2019. (Photo by Austin Sosa)
WNBA 2019: Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 11, 2019. (Photo by Austin Sosa)

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks trailed the Chicago Sky 79-75 with 1:25 remaining in the game when Chelsea Gray knocked down a three to make it a one-point game. After Chicago’s Cheyenne Parker made a shot, Gray hit a pull-up jumper to cut the lead, 81-80.

 

After a shot-clock violation by the Sky, Gray hit a pair of free throws to give the Sparks an 82-81 lead with 29 seconds left in the game. Chicago missed a three and Gray grabbed the rebound, passed it to Nneka Ogwumike who put the game away with a layup.

 

WNBA 2019: Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 11, 2019. (Photo by Austin Sosa)

Los Angeles came back to erase a 16-point deficit and defeat visiting Chicago, 84-81, Sunday at the Staples Center.

 

“I was able to get open looks down the stretch,” Gray said. “We showed a lot of heart, effort and grit. We were going through highs and lows throughout the game.”

 

The Sparks (15-8) are on a five-game winning streak and have won eight straight at home. Gray finished with 26 points, including seven in the final minute and a half. Ogwumike had 17 points and 13 rebounds while Maria Vadeeva added 12 points off the bench.

 

WNBA 2019: Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 11, 2019. (Photo by Austin Sosa)

Chicago jumped out to an early 14-4 lead in the first quarter. The Sparks were able to close the gap but still trailed 27-15 after the first quarter. Chicago led by as many as 14 in the second quarter and headed to halftime with a 44-39 lead.

 

After a rough first half, the Sparks stormed back in the third quarter, cutting the lead 53-52, on Ogwumike’s 16-foot jumper. Los Angeles took their first lead in the fourth quarter after Vardeeva converted a three-point play.

 

“You want to learn from wins,” Candace Parker said. “We came out and were able to battle back. We came out sluggish. Credit to Chicago, they did a good job of jumping on us, especially in the first quarter.”

 

WNBA 2019: Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 11, 2019. (Photo by Austin Sosa)

Los Angeles next two games with be on the road against Dallas on Wednesday and Chicago on Friday.