The Los Angeles Sparks battled aggressively in their 82-90 loss to the fifth-ranked Seattle Storm. Sparks players hit milestones in their efforts. Olympic bronze medalist Dearica Hamby broke the single-season rebounding record of the Sparks by making her 337th board. Sparks icon Lisa Leslie held the record since 2004.
“She’s just been so important for us and carried so much,” said Sparks head coach Curt Miller. “I’m just super proud of her. I know the numbers have dipped a little bit but I still think she’s the most improved player in this league.”
Forward Azurá Stevens became the third player in WNBA history to register over 15 points and rebounds while making four three-point shots. Stevens scored 18 points and 15 rebounds while going 4-6 from behind the arc.
“We’ve been going against big post players, so I know [Hamby] and (center Li Yueru) have had to step up,” Stevens said. “I think I play better when I don’t think and I’m just aggressive. I think it helps the team come out and be more aggressive and it just gets us all attacking.”
Rookie forward Rickea Jackson led the Sparks with 22 points, shooting at 53.3 percent from the field. Miller noted how Jackson has received more attention by her opponents in recent games.
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“Just to see her growth as a willing passer now through it , it is fun to watch,” Miller said. “She was hunting and wanting the ball in crunch time. You don’t always see that in a rookie.”
Odyssey Sims poured in 16 points and six assists before hurting her hand late in the game. Her efforts helped keep the game close throughout the fourth quarter.
“I’ve just been staying ready, I’ve been in and out the league the last couple of years,” Sims said. “I do have a son so he just motivates me to never quit. I’m an example for him.”
Although out of playoff contention, the Sparks have been treating their games against the Sun and the Storm like a playoffs series. As she has been competing for the Sparks, Sims noticed glimpses of playoff potential out of her teammates.
“We go into every game of course having the mindset to play hard, win, have fun.” “Our energy is really high in the locker room all the time, whether we win or lose. We stay together, this is a good group that really wants to learn and get better. We have the right young ones together.”
The Sparks will travel to face the Seattle Storm on Sunday at 3:00P.M.
