Sparks Break Streak
Los Angeles Sparks Defeat Portland Fire 89-72, Ending Three-Game Losing Streak
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The Los Angeles Sparks snapped a three-game losing streak Sunday, beating the Portland Fire 89-72 at Crypto.com Arena. Kelsey Plum, the league's leading scorer at 26.9 points per game, was held scoreless from the field in the first half — then erupted for 13 of her 16 points after halftime to power the comeback. Associated Press
The Sparks improved to 5-6 on the season. Portland fell to 6-7. The win was Los Angeles's second at home all year, snapping a 2-5 skid at Crypto.com Arena. Field Level Media
Plum's Patience Pays Off in Second Half
At halftime, Portland led 43-41. Plum had zero field goal attempts and just three points, all from the free-throw line. That changed fast. She scored 9 points in the third quarter alone, sparking a 14-2 Sparks run that flipped the game. LA outscored Portland 23-12 in the period. TSN
Field Level Media called Plum's quiet first half less a sign of struggle and more a veteran "waiting for the right moment" against a young expansion defense. She finished with 16 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals. The Sparks turned that momentum into an 11-2 burst in the fourth quarter to put the game away.
Ogwumike and Hamby Dominate the Paint
The two All-Star forwards put on a show. Dearica Hamby posted 22 points and 12 rebounds. Nneka Ogwumike added 20 points and a season-high 17 rebounds — her third straight double-double. LA outrebounded Portland 44-32. Field Level Media
A Hamby fast-break layup at the 6:07 mark of the fourth quarter pushed the Sparks lead to 18 points and sealed the win. Associated Press reported the play capped an 11-2 surge that effectively ended Portland's chances. The interior dominance gave LA the physical edge it had lacked in earlier home losses.
Portland's Three-Point Shooting Collapse Costs Them
The Fire's offense fell apart in the second half. Portland shot a season-worst 10.7% from three-point range, going just 3-of-28 from deep. Associated Press The team committed 15 turnovers, 9 of them during the Sparks' decisive third-quarter run. LA held Portland to just 29 points after the break.
Center Megan Gustafson kept Portland in it longer than their shooting deserved. She finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds — her first double-double since 2023. TSN Rookie guard Carla Leite added 10 points but struggled with turnovers under LA's defensive pressure.
Sparks' Defense Finally Answers Critics After Rocky Start
Coming into the game, the Sparks were allowing a league-high 93 points per game. Against Portland, they held the Fire to 36% shooting overall. LA Times described it as the Sparks "finally finding their defense" after weeks of struggle. The win keeps their slim Commissioner's Cup hopes alive at 1-2 in tournament play.
LA Times stayed cautious though, noting that one win doesn't erase the worst defensive numbers in the league. Portland's 0-3 Commissioner's Cup record effectively ends their tournament run. For the Sparks, the question is whether Sunday's defensive effort signals a real fix or just one good night.
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