In a high-pace WNBA showdown, the LA Sparks beat the Seattle Storm 94–91 on a game-winning three-point play by Dearica Hamby. Kelsey Plum led with 20 points, but Brittney Sykes kept Seattle alive. Get full recap, analysis, where to watch rematch, and more.
Storm vs Sparks Context
- Final Score: LA Sparks 94, Seattle Storm 91 — game-winning three-point play by Dearica Hamby with 5.6 seconds left.
- Top Performers: Kelsey Plum scored 20; Hamby added 19 including the clutch buckets; Cameron Brink hit a season-high 14 off the bench. Seattle’s Brittney Sykes poured in 27, Dominique Malonga added 20, Skylar Diggins-Smith had 17, and Nneka Ogwumike tallied 15 points and 10 boards.
- Broadcast: Available via WNBA League Pass; local coverage included KOMO-TV and KUNS (CW Seattle), and national platforms like ESPN/ESPN+.
Match Recap — Drama at Crypto.com Arena
The Sparks trailed early — the Storm jumped ahead 26–14 in the first quarter. But L.A. turned the tide in the second, outscoring Seattle 32–14 to lead by six at halftime. The second half remained tight and physical, with neither side holding more than an eight-point lead. Seattle looked poised late when Brittney Sykes hit back-to-back layups to tie it at 91 with 12.7 seconds remaining .
Then came the defining moment: Dearica Hamby sank a three-point play with 5.6 seconds left to seal the comeback win for Los Angeles . Highlights and final clips are already live on YouTube and ESPN.
Background & Season Context
This clash was a rematch of their July double-OT thriller — Sparks have taken both, shifting momentum in the Western Conference tight race. Los Angeles moves to 15-16, while Seattle slips to 16-16, both hunting a wildcard spot or better .
Offseason ratings praised Seattle’s draft haul — Dominique Malonga, a 19-year-old phenom, earned high marks. The team also exchanged All-Star Brittney Sykes in a trade, aiming to bolster playoff depth. Gabby Williams has emerged as a league leader in steals and efficiency, anchoring Storm’s resurgence.
Where to Watch: Streaming & Broadcast Guide
- National (USA): WNBA League Pass streams every game globally. ESPN/ESPN+ may carry re-airs or highlights.
- Seattle Local: KOMO-TV (ABC) and KUNS-TV (CW) — the Storm’s broadcast affiliates. Amazon Prime Video also covers many local games.
- Los Angeles Local: Local feeds likely via Prime or regional sports networks; official team site may link direct streams.
- Highlights: Available immediately on WNBA YouTube and ESPN’s gamecast.
Tactical Breakdown & Player Highlights
Los Angeles Sparks:
- Hamby’s presence fueled the finish, but Kelsey Plum provided stabilizing offense, and Cameron Brink’s bench minutes added scoring punch.
- Their second-quarter surge displayed the Sparks’ capacity to flip momentum through depth and half-court structure.
Seattle Storm:
- Sykes’ 27 points, Malonga’s 20 off the bench, and Ogwumike’s double-double showed the core fired on all cylinders — but consistency in crunch time eluded them.
- Williams’ season-long defensive uptick (league-leading steals, improved 3-PT) has been a revelation, offering balance beyond scoring.
Key tactical takeaway: A bench-anchored offense and late-game execution made the difference.
Broader Implications
Sparks:
They’re back in the playoff hunt — this win reaffirms their potential when the starters and bench hit form together. Rickea Jackson, Plum, Hamby, and Brink form a surprisingly cohesive unit when healthy.
Storm:
A tough loss, but clear signs of upward trajectory. Their mid-season trades and draft work have built depth. Now the focus is finishing close games stronger and integrating new pieces fully. A return to .500 depends on learning from these moments.