The Los Angeles Sparks grabbed their second straight win on Friday night, taking down the Chicago Sky 102-87. This team is absolutely gaining momentum, even with Kelsey Plum and Cameron Brink still sidelined.
Starters Stepping Up Big
Man, the Sparks looked locked in. All five starters hit double figures, a testament to their balanced attack. They were lights out from the floor, shooting 51% overall and a scorching 45% from downtown. Dearica Hamby set the tone early, getting the offense rolling with a big three-point play. Chicago's Kamilla Cardoso was a force in the paint with six points, and Jacy Sheldon knocked down two triples for the Sky. But the Sparks kept answering. Ariel Atkins and Erica Wheeler combined for 13 of LA's first 21 points, putting the Sparks up by seven at one point. Gabriela Jaquez tried to spark the Sky with five quick points, but Rae Burrell was perfect 2-2 from behind the arc. Despite Los Angeles shooting a ridiculous 61% from the field and 50% from three, the Sky still held a one-point lead after the first. What a battle!Pulling Away When It Mattered
Chicago tried to pull ahead in the second. Aicha Coulibaly converted a free throw and a midrange jumper to start the quarter. But Atkins shut that down fast, hitting a triple for the Sparks' first points of the period. Erica Wheeler was on fire, leading all scorers with 12 points after draining her second 3-pointer of the half. The tide was turning! The Sparks were up by one at the 5:56 mark, feeling like they were about to break it open. Atkins wasn't far behind, becoming the second Spark to hit double figures with 11 points. The Sky made a small run, scoring four in a row, but Wheeler immediately responded with another triple. Nneka Ogwumike then surged with five quick points, pushing the Sparks' lead to six with just over two minutes left in the half. Nneka kept pouring it on, hitting a layup to get to 10 points herself, making her the third Spark in double figures. By halftime, the purple and gold had a five-point lead. The third period kicked off with both teams missing, then Natasha Cloud hit a three for the Sky, but the momentum was still all LA's. Burrell was incredible, knocking down her third 3-pointer of the game. And then Hamby joined the double-digit club, becoming the fourth Spark to hit 11 points. Relentless! Seriously, with key players out, this kind of balanced attack and clutch shooting is exactly what you want to see. The Sparks are showing serious grit and a deep roster that can step up. They're finding ways to win, and that second straight victory against the Sky wasn't just a win, it was a statement. Keep an eye on this squad; they're only getting stronger, and it's going to be a fun ride watching them keep this momentum rolling!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.