Sparks Victory Over Fever: Stevens, Plum Shine

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    In a thrilling WNBA matchup on Thursday night, the Los Angeles Sparks managed to snap their four-game losing streak by overcoming the Indiana Fever with a score of 85-75. Azura Stevens led the charge for the Sparks, scoring an impressive 23 points, while Kelsey Plum contributed 21 points and dished out six assists. Meanwhile, Indiana played the game without Caitlin Clark, who was sidelined due to a groin injury. Clark, who had recently returned from a quad injury, had been instrumental in Indiana’s 102-88 victory over the Liberty with a spectacular 32-point performance on June 14.

    The pivotal moment of the game came with just over four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter when Plum drained a crucial three-pointer, putting Los Angeles ahead 67-66, marking their first lead since early in the second quarter. Plum continued her scoring run by sinking two free throws during their next possession, capping off a decisive 21-8 run that carried over from the third quarter.

    In the closing minute, the Sparks displayed tenacity by securing two crucial offensive rebounds. Dearica Hamby found herself at the free-throw line after converting a layup, which extended Los Angeles’s lead to 79-75. Although she missed the free throw, Stevens was quick to snatch the rebound and convert it into a three-point play, further solidifying the Sparks’ lead, which expanded to 81-75 with just 49 seconds left on the clock.

    Supporting efforts from Hamby and Rickea Jackson, both scoring 14 points, played instrumental roles in Los Angeles’s triumph. For the Fever, Kelsey Mitchell was the leading scorer with 20 points, and Aliyah Boston contributed a double-double performance with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and five steals.

    The Fever initially established a 31-22 lead. However, Los Angeles responded with a determined 8-0 rally, concluded by a three-pointer from Shey Peddy, which brought them within a single point. Despite a resilient 3-pointer from Sophie Cunningham, the Fever managed to hold a narrow 34-30 advantage going into halftime, thanks to their aggressive defense, which forced 15 turnovers.