With each groups in comparable levels of development and aiming to construct lasting foundations, the Sparks and the Golden State Valkyries have proven simply how slim the hole is between them.
A margin so skinny that within the third assembly of the season, it took time beyond regulation to declare a winner.
The Valkyries have confirmed to be an actual downside for the Sparks — providing way more combat than anticipated from a first-year franchise. And for the second straight assembly with the Valkyries, the Sparks couldn’t sustain, dropping 89-81 at Crypto.com Enviornment on Monday.
Ultimately, it got here right down to fundamentals. After battling layups all evening, the Valkyries transformed two in a row — first from Veronica Burton, then from Kayla Thornton — to take an 82–79 lead in time beyond regulation. They constructed on that momentum, and with 37 seconds left, Thornton delivered the dagger: a three-pointer that sealed a hard-fought win.
The Sparks (3-7) had their possibilities. The sport remained inside attain by three tightly contested quarters, tied 65-65 heading into the fourth. Even after a back-and-forth last stretch, the Sparks briefly reclaimed management.
With 37.8 seconds left in regulation, everybody inside Crypto.com Enviornment knew the place the ball was going. The Valkyries (4-5) threw all the things that they had at Kelsey Plum, attempting to disclaim her a shot. However with defenders draped throughout her, Plum delivered — drilling a clutch three-pointer over Temi Fágbénlé to offer the Sparks a 78–76 lead.
It appeared just like the breakthrough the Sparks wanted to lastly shut it out — however a straightforward layup on the opposite finish tied it with 17.8 seconds remaining. Plum had one other probability to win it on the buzzer, however her floater rimmed out, sending the sport to time beyond regulation.
Plum would lead the Sparks with 24 factors and 7 assists. Dearica Hamby had 20 factors, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Janelle Salaun led Golden State with 21 factors and eight rebounds.
