Washington Mystics win 82-80 over LA Sparks in fourth quarter turnaround

With three quarters of domination and at one point a 14 point lead over the Mystics, the LA Sparks looked poised to snap their losing streak after a tough road trip that left them 0-7 heading into their first home game of a July homestand. Going into the game the Sparks were entering Crypto.com Arena with good news as Dearica Hamby had been named to the All-Star team and Kia Nurse was also announced as being selected for the Canadian National Team squad representing at the Olympics in Paris later this month.

However, the Mystics had different ideas creating timely stops that froze the young Sparks into a fourth quarter that completely flipped the tide of the game. The quick ball movement and deadly three point shooting that had propelled the Sparks in the previous three quarters were suddenly ineffective. The high pick and roll motions through Dearica Hamby that were creating space for cutters and shooters on the wing were suddenly running into increased resistance breaking up possessions and creating transition runs for the Mystics.

Ultimately, the game was decided with 3 minutes remaining with decisive stops that left the Sparks looking for answers from Kia Nurse three point shooting and Dearica drives that were forced and out of their normal offensive rotations.

For the Sparks the 0-8 losing streak is creating a heightened sense of desperation for answers that hope to turn the season around. With the loss of Cameron Brink, multiple rotations on the floor, and a young roster that is talented but raw it will take a new level of resilience to create the breakthrough they are looking for. With their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Aces on Friday they will face an opponent that is rolling through the league and left off where they started in their championship season last year.