Los Angeles Sparks Rally to Defeat Las Vegas Aces 96-92 in Thrilling Comeback

The Los Angeles Sparks secured a dramatic 96-92 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday night, marking their first back-to-back wins of the season. Despite a strong start by the Aces, who opened the game with 14 consecutive points and led 22-7 early, the Sparks clawed back to take control.

Las Vegas maintained a slim 44-43 advantage at halftime, largely due to A’ja Wilson’s stellar performance, contributing 16 points in the first half. However, the third quarter saw a significant shift in momentum. The Sparks launched a 16-6 run, highlighted by Kia Nurse’s three-pointer, to capture a 59-50 lead with 5:39 left in the period. Cameron Brink extended the lead to 67-57 with a trey, and Los Angeles entered the final quarter with a 74-65 advantage.

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Stephanie Talbot’s jumper put the Sparks up 78-71 with 8:29 remaining. The Aces responded with an impressive 11-point streak, capped by five points from Kelsey Plum, reclaiming an 82-78 lead with 4:24 on the clock. Yet, the Sparks countered swiftly. Rae Burrell’s consecutive three-pointers were part of an eight-point run that gave Los Angeles an 86-82 lead with 2:47 to play.

A crucial three-point play by Rickea Jackson expanded the Sparks’ lead to 91-86 with 1:42 left. Although Wilson’s last-second three-pointer brought the Aces within two points at 94-92, Aari McDonald’s two free throws in the final second sealed the Sparks’ victory.

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The Sparks displayed efficient shooting, converting 49.2% of their field goals, including 10 of 25 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Aces shot 44.1% from the field and 11 of 26 from three-point range.

Wilson led the Aces with 31 points, eight rebounds, and a season-high six blocks, setting a league record by scoring at least 20 points for the 14th consecutive game. Plum added 24 points, and Tiffany Hayes contributed 17 off the bench. Kate Martin scored 13 points for Las Vegas, who were without Chelsea Gray (foot) and Jackie Young (illness).

For the Sparks, Dearica Hamby had a standout performance with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Jackson and McDonald each scored 16 points, spearheading the comeback from an early 15-point deficit.

The game was part of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, with Los Angeles improving to 2-2 in these matchups, while Las Vegas fell to 1-2. The Aces, now at 5-4, have lost three of their last four games, whereas the Sparks, now 4-7, seem to be finding their stride.