Sparks Surge Late for 91-85 Victory Against Storm

The Los Angeles Sparks claimed a thrilling 91-85 victory over the Seattle Storm on March 11, 2024, with a strong late-game performance. Dearica Hamby led the Sparks with 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Rickea Jackson contributed 23 points, helping to close the gap in the playoff race.

Seattle appeared to have the game in hand, leading 85-80 with just 2:47 remaining. However, Hamby and Jackson sparked a decisive 11-0 run to secure the win. This victory brings the Sparks within 1.5 games of both the Storm and the Indiana Fever for the final playoff spots.

Los Angeles dominated the boards, out-rebounding Seattle 37-23. They also excelled in scoring, with a remarkable 60-30 advantage in points scored in the paint. Kelsey Plum added 14 points, and Rae Burrell contributed 11, showcasing the balanced offensive effort from the Sparks.

On the opposing side, Nneka Ogwumike led the Storm with 21 points, including five three-pointers in the first half. Skylar Diggins also scored 21 points, while Ezi Magbegor added 11. Despite strong performances, Seattle could not maintain their lead as the game progressed.

The first quarter saw the Storm take an early 25-20 lead, bolstered by a 10-0 run featuring baskets from Gabby Williams. The Sparks responded in the second quarter, with Ogwumike’s sharpshooting helping Los Angeles to a 36-25 advantage. By halftime, the Storm led 53-39, thanks to a late three-pointer from Erica Wheeler.

As the second half began, Diggins extended Seattle’s lead to 17 points with a three-pointer. However, the Sparks quickly found their rhythm, hitting 12 of their first 17 shots in the quarter. Jackson’s buzzer-beating three-pointer cut the Storm’s lead to 73-68 heading into the final quarter.

Looking ahead, the Sparks will face the Atlanta Dream on March 13 and March 15. The Storm will return home to play against the New York Liberty on March 15, as both teams aim to solidify their playoff standings.

This match showcased the resilience of the Sparks and highlighted the competitive spirit of the WNBA as the season progresses.