Sparks Fall to Mercury in Thrilling WNBA Game | Dearica Hamby’s 25 Points Not Enough
The Los Angeles Sparks fought hard, but even De’arra Ham’s impressive 25-point effort couldn’t prevent them from dropping their third straight game to the Phoenix Mercury. This time by a score of 92 to 84 at Crypto.com Arena. But here’s where it gets controversial. Despite Ham’s scoring punch, the Sparks struggled with execution and consistency, ultimately falling short against a deeper and more balanced Mercury squad. Sparks head coach Lynn Roberts stressed before tipoff just how critical it was to maintain focus on both ends of the court. “Our offense really hinges on pace and the willingness to execute plays cleanly,” Roberts explained. “Execution has to come with intensity and intention, not just running plays, but committing to every possession.” While the Sparks showed glimpses, forcing turnovers and snagging some steals, their offensive tempo sometimes felt rushed, which prevented them from sustaining momentum. In a tense moment late in the third quarter, Rakia Jackson went down with an injury after slipping and limping off the floor. Unable to return for the remainder of the quarter, Roberts acknowledged Jackson’s toughness, saying, “She tried to push through it, but you could see she was struggling. We had a pivotal stretch coming up and it wasn’t fair to keep her out there. She expressed optimism about Jackson’s recovery. Expecting her to be ready by Friday’s next game. During the second quarter, Hamby took over briefly, hitting a jumper to tie the game at 24 and then drawing a foul to sink one free throw, giving the Sparks a fleeting 2524 lead. Ham’s 25 points and eight rebounds ultimately stood out as a bright spot for Los Angeles. However, holding an advantage proved difficult as the Mercury seized control to lead 48 to 40 at halftime and managed to maintain their edge through the fourth quarter. Three-point shooting really made the difference in this game, Roberts admitted. Phoenix shot 11 for 25 from beyond the ark, while we only converted seven of our 24 attempts. That margin was critical. Roberts noted that typically the Sparks perform better in perimeter shooting, suggesting this lapse was key to the outcome. Phoenix’s Satu Sabali led the charge with 19 points and grabbed three rebounds, while Kalia Copper contributed 18 points alongside three assists. The standout for the Mercury was Alyssa Thomas, who achieved a rare triple double with 12 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists, demonstrating the multifaceted effort behind Phoenix’s win. Tuesday’s game proved just how physical and intense WNBA matchups become as the playoffs loom closer. “I think with the postseason approaching, both teams are really fighting hard,” Robert said. Everyone has something to play for, so the energy and tenacity on the floor are elevated. It’s about pride and battling through every moment. Despite strong individual performances from Hami and Jackson, who scored 21 points herself, the Sparks struggled to counter the Mercury’s balanced attack and squad depth. Looking ahead, the Sparks are set to face the Indiana Fever at Crypto.com Arena this Friday night, hoping to sharpen their execution and bounce back in front of their home crowd. So, what do you think? Can the Sparks turn their execution issues around before the playoffs, or will Phoenix’s depth and shooting prove too much to overcome? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
In a high-stakes WNBA showdown, the Los Angeles Sparks faced the Phoenix Mercury at Crypto.com Arena. Despite Dearica Hamby’s 25 points and eight rebounds, the Sparks fell 92-84 to the Mercury for the third time this season. Key highlights include Rickea Jackson’s injury, Phoenix’s balanced attack led by Satou Sabally (19 pts) and Alyssa Thomas (triple-double), and coach Lynne Roberts’ emphasis on execution. The game showcased intense playoff competition, with both teams playing for pride. Don’t miss the breakdown of the Sparks’ struggles against Phoenix’s depth and the impact of key moments throughout the game.
Keywords: WNBA, Sparks vs Mercury, Dearica Hamby, Phoenix Mercury, WNBA playoffs, basketball game analysis, Rickea Jackson injury, Alyssa Thomas triple-double, WNBA season highlights