Fourth-quarter struggles caused the Los Angeles Sparks to suffer an 80-82 loss to the Washington Mystics.
The Mystics created a late rally, capitalizing from a four-minute offensive drought. Ultimately, the Mystics scored 30 points in the final phase while the Sparks scored 16. Sparks coach Curt Miller talked about how the Mystics’ three-point shooting aided them in their victory.
“They’re averaging 44 percent or higher from the arc, so we talked about that. In their losses, they shoot 33 percent,” Miller said. “They started right out of the gate, making threes in the first quarter. Big threes on slippage defensively mistakes made by our players and our coverage in the fourth quarter.”
Both the LA Sparks and the Washington Mystics shot 4 three-pointers in the first quarter. The Sparks lead 22-18
— Amanda Scurlock (@Amandtastic) July 3, 2024
Washington made 12 three-pointers in the matchup with guard Julie Vanloo leading their effort with five. The Sparks made 13 three-pointers; forward Stephanie Talbot went 4-6 from deep. She and guard Aari McDonald led the Sparks in scoring with 17 points each.
Related Stories
Student Athlete of the Week: Sherilynne Chensam
The Black Student Athlete Summit Provides Professional, Personal Development
“Playing 30 minutes on a ankle sprain tonight, she got it out when we didn’t even know maybe gametime decision if she could even go,” Miller said. “She was a floor spacer on offense against them tonight with the way they were covering and took advantage of her opportunities.”
2024 WNBA All-Star Dearica Hamby secured her 12th double-double of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Her message to her teammates in the wake of this loss is to have a short memory.
“We have another game,” Hamby said. “This league doesn’t stop for anybody.”
The Sparks put together a strong effort in the first three quarters, leading by 14 points. Rookie forward Rickea Jackson led the Sparks in the first quarter with seven points. In that time, Los Angeles made four three-pointers.
The Sparks were also shooting at 50 percent from field by halftime. To start the second half, Los Angeles went on an eight-point run. Going into the fourth, the Sparks had a 12-point advantage.
As regulation neared an end, the game remained close until Stephanie Dolson got an and-1 after being fouled on a lay-up. The play gave the Mystics a three-point advantage and they held on to their lead for the rest of the game.
“When we’re in those droughts where we can’t score and we’re not getting stops, I think I can do a better job of just making sure we’re composed and just taking a deep breath,” McDonald said. “Just letting the team know that we’re still in the game, keep going.”
The Sparks return home to battle the Las Vegas Aces on July 5 at 7:00P.M.
