LAS VEGAS — In an exhilarating match on Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Sparks triumphed over the Las Vegas Aces with a score of 97-89, thanks to stellar performances by Rickea Jackson and Azura Stevens. Jackson achieved a personal best, pouring in 30 points, while Stevens contributed with a double-double, recording 19 points and 10 rebounds. The Sparks capitalized on an opportunity when the Aces lost their star player, A’ja Wilson, who exited the game with a head injury during the third quarter with just over a minute remaining. Wilson was inadvertently hit in the face during a driving play by Dearica Hamby.
Jackson shone brightly, shooting 11 of 17 from the field, making 4 of 8 attempts from beyond the arc, and hitting 4 of 5 free throws. Her performance eclipsed her previous highest point tally of 25 scored against Dallas last season. Hamby was also instrumental for Los Angeles, adding 19 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out seven assists. Meanwhile, Kelsey Plum offered critical support, tallying 13 points and nine assists against her old team.
On the Las Vegas side, Jackie Young was outstanding, matching her career-high with 34 points. Chelsea Gray supported the effort with an additional 28 points. Despite the impressive individual performances, Las Vegas, now sporting a 4-4 record, faced their second consecutive loss. A’ja Wilson managed to secure 13 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in her 28 minutes on the court, converting 9 out of 10 free throws but struggled from the field, making only 2 of her 12 attempts.
Notably, Young was a powerhouse in the second quarter, scoring 14 consecutive points for the Aces, displaying her unyielding determination. In the first half, the Sparks leveraged the combined efforts of Hamby, Stevens, and Jackson, all of whom scored in double figures, to establish a solid 50-41 lead going into the break.