In an intense back-and-forth battle Friday night time at Crypto.com Enviornment, the Sparks finally suffered a 76-75 loss to the Indiana Fever that hindered their push for a playoff spot.
The Sparks (17-20) opened sturdy, controlling the tempo within the first quarter and sustaining their edge by the primary half. They closed the second quarter with a 47-44 lead, fueled by environment friendly capturing and regular protection.
However after halftime, Indiana (21-19) discovered its scoring momentum and shifted the sport. The Fever surged within the third quarter, briefly taking command, earlier than the Sparks fought again to shut the interval forward 58-57.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark celebrates her workforce’s last-minute win as pissed off Sparks gamers stroll off the court docket Friday night time at Crypto.com Enviornment.
(Kyusung Gong / Related Press)
The Sparks, nevertheless, unraveled within the ultimate 30 seconds of the sport.
Aliyah Boston grabbed an offensive rebound with 20 seconds remaining and the Sparks forward by one level. She arrange Sims, a former Spark who drove and scored what turned the sport winner with 13.6 seconds left.
After a Sparks timeout, Boston stole Kelsey Plum’s unhealthy cross with 3.8 seconds remaining. The Sparks tried to foul to regain possession, however they ran out of time to place up one other shot.
It was a expensive setback for the Sparks, who stay in ninth place with seven video games left within the common season. They path the Golden State Valkyries by two video games for the eighth and ultimate playoff spot.
Indiana Fever ahead Natasha Howard drives to the basket whereas being guarded by Sparks ahead Dearica Hamby Friday at Crypto.com Enviornment.
(Kyusung Gong / Related Press)
“We’re not going to quit, I promise you that,” Sparks coach Coach Lynn Roberts stated. “I trust these guys. They want to win and they’re upset that we lost. And we have a choice — we can emotionally, mentally check out and just kind of go through the motions or we can dig down. And I know these guys are going to dig down.”
Roberts praised Azurá Stevens, who led the Sparks with 17 factors and 6 rebounds, and Rae Burrell, who added 12 factors and two rebounds. Plum contributed 12 factors, three rebounds and three assists.
“Rae brought some serious life there, especially in the third, when they went up six or seven and then she sparked a little run there,” Roberts stated. “I thought Azurá was fantastic tonight in terms of her aggressiveness,”
With Caitlin Clark sidelined for the 18th straight sport, Indiana leaned on Boston and Sims to hold the load. Boston delivered 22 factors, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Sims completed with 21 factors and 6 rebounds.
The Sparks’ subsequent sport is in opposition to the Washington Mystics Sunday at Crypto.com Enviornment.
