Double-double machine Hamby puts Sparks back in win column

LOS ANGELES — Greatness and prestige are etched along the walls of Crypto.com Arena, magnifying the stars that step onto the court, creating All-Stars like Dearica Hamby.

With the arena rafters adorned by many championship banners, expectations naturally run high for Los Angeles basketball. This season, however, the LA Sparks (5-15) have struggled in meeting these heightened expectations.

However, Sparks star forward Hamby has consistently risen to the occasion, shouldering the immense responsibility of carrying the Sparks when they need her most. Friday night was no different, as Hamby excelled under the bright lights with her fierce intensity and leadership.

Before their showdown against the defending back-to-back champion Las Vegas Aces (12-7), the Sparks had been riding a challenging streak, losing their last eight games. In a desperate bid to turn things around, Los Angeles turned to its newly minted 2024 WNBA All-Star, Hamby.

Hamby, now a three-time All-Star, followed up the announcement with a performance that truly underscored her value to the team. Her tied league-leading 13th double-double lifted the Sparks to a 98-93 overtime victory against her former team, the Aces. Hamby’s 28 points and 14 rebounds, coupled with her stellar all-around play, marked her impressive—and now signature—performance.

“That game is very special to Dearica and will always be,” said head coach Curt Miller postgame. “You get an incredible effort from Hamby every night, but this is an extra special matchup.”

Facing the perennial-contending Aces, the Sparks took on the challenge head-on against a team featuring four members of the Paris 2024 Olympics team. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Sparks led by 10 points and had the Aces on their heels. But in the Sparks’ typical fashion, their later lead evaporated in the blink of an eye.

Aces forward A’ja Wilson scored 12 of her 35 points in the fourth quarter, and guard Jackie Young’s 3-point prowess carried Las Vegas back into the game. Before Los Angeles could find its footing, the Aces occupied the driver’s seat with four minutes left to play.

Yet, despite the fourth-quarter woes, the young Sparks’ composure shined through in the final minutes. Facing a two-point deficit with 15 seconds left, LA turned to six-year forward Stephanie Talbot. Defended by former Sparks legend Chelsea Gray, Talbot utilized her 6-foot-2 frame, creating space for a game-tying, fading jumper to force overtime at Crypto.com Arena.

Talbot finished the game with 13 points, five rebounds, and nine assists.

“It doesn’t get talked about, but Steph Talbot is a really good passer,” Miller said.

In overtime, the Sparks remained active on the defensive side and composed offensively to produce their first win since June 9, defeating the Aces 96-92. Hamby scored five of her 28 points during the extra period, igniting the crowd with an and-one layup to give the Sparks a five-point lead with 24 seconds left.

“Another fourth-quarter lead disappeared, but this is what we’re talking about with a young team. You just have to keep putting them back in that situation,” Miller said. “Tonight, they responded with some real grittiness and toughness.”

Friday’s win marks the first time since 2019 that the Sparks have beaten the Aces in back-to-back matchups in a season. Friday’s win snapped the Ace’s six-game winning streak.

“Right now, there is a confidence in that locker room that they can match up with Vegas, as talented and as much respect we have for them,” Miller said.

On top of Hamby’s brilliant performance, Aari McDonald had herself a career night, scoring 23 points. The fourth-year facilitator has lately come into her own as the Sparks’ point guard, causing problems all night for her former college teammate, Aces guard Kelsey Plum. McDonald finished the night above 50% from beyond the arc.

Rookie forward Rickea Jackson added 14 points, six rebounds and three assists, shooting a solid 37% from 3-point range.

The Sparks’ offensive pace flowed smoothly and heavily limited their season-long turnover issues. Los Angeles coughed the ball up a season-low three times while they forced Las Vegas to turn it over 10 times.

Next, the Sparks host the Phoenix Mercury (10-10) on Sunday at 4 p.m. Both teams will look to extend their win streak to two, as the Mercury are coming off a Wednesday night win versus the Dallas Wings.