The Los Angeles Sparks absolutely smothered the Portland Fire on Sunday, wrapping up their season series with a dominant 105-84 win that showcased some serious depth. This wasn’t just another win; it was a statement. Seriously, that 12-0 run in the second quarter felt like it decided the whole damn thing, and the Fire never even sniffed a comeback after that.
Missing Pieces? No Problem For This Squad
What makes this sweep even crazier is the Sparks pulled it off despite three key players being out: Dearica Hamby, Cameron Brink, and Aaliyah Nye. You’d think losing that much talent would slow a team down, but not these Sparks. They just turned around and made it rain from three, sinking 14 triples compared to the Fire’s paltry six. That’s a massive difference right there, and it speaks volumes about who stepped up. Emma Cannon, getting the start to fill in for Hamby, dropped 10 points and looked ready for the moment. “I would just say I always stay ready, so I don’t got to get ready,” Cannon said, adding, “when you play with a lot of great players and your name is called, you don’t want to disappoint. So, like I said, I always stay ready. And, yeah, fun times.” You gotta love that attitude.
The Future Is Now For the Sparks
Beyond Cannon, the younger players absolutely showed out. Everyone played in double-digit minutes, getting valuable experience and contributing big time. We saw a few of them hit threes, including Chance Gray, who racked up a career-best 11 points, knocking down three from deep. Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike, a true legend herself, talked about seeing this new generation coming into the league and how she serves as an entry point for them. She recalled having vets like Tamika Catchings to guide her and believes it’s crucial to “pour into” younger players while also learning from them. Ogwumike mentioned Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda and Chance Gray even watched her play back in the day, proving the league’s growth. It’s awesome to see that kind of respect and mentorship happening.
This win wasn’t just about the current squad, though. It was also a day for history. Lisa Leslie’s statue was revealed, a huge moment that Nneka and her teammates attended. Ogwumike emphasized the importance of players knowing their history, saying, “That’s something that we can’t let go of.” She’s right, honoring these legends is vital as the league continues to evolve. The Sparks showed us that they’re a team that respects its past while absolutely dominating in the present, even when they’re short-handed. This sweep, especially under these circumstances, tells you everything you need to know about their grit and depth.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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