Hambyโ€™s Late Shot Leads Sparks to 2OT Victory Over Storm

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    SEATTLE โ€” In an exhilarating matchup that marked the first double-overtime bout of the WNBA season, Dearica Hamby made a pivotal layup with just 4.3 seconds remaining, securing a hard-fought 108-106 victory for the Los Angeles Sparks over the Seattle Storm on Friday night.

    The game concluded in dramatic fashion as Hamby sank a challenging shot, while a similar attempt by Skylar Diggins at the opposite end rolled off the rim as the buzzer sounded, sealing Seattleโ€™s fate.

    Rickea Jackson emerged as the leading scorer for the Sparks, amassing 27 points, complementing the teamโ€™s impressive run, with victories in six of their last seven games. Kelsey Plum contributed significantly with 22 points and seven assists, while both Hamby and Azura Stevens added 21 points each. Notably, Hamby also excelled on the boards, securing 13 rebounds.

    Cameron Brink, who was making a return after ACL surgery, played 12 minutes, during which she managed seven points, four rebounds, three blocks, two steals, and five fouls, showcasing her versatility on the court.

    Nneka Ogwumike was a standout performer for Seattle, chalking up 37 points, narrowly missing her career-high by one point from her previous tenure with the Sparks nine years ago. Her efforts also saw her reach a significant career milestone, becoming only the sixth player to achieve the 7,000-point mark. In addition, she collected 12 rebounds. Diggins provided sturdy support with 18 points, with Erica Wheeler contributing 15, and Gabby Williams adding 14 points and eight assists to the scoreboard. Ezi Magbegor was also key with nine points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks.

    The contest was characterized by its intensity, featuring 14 ties and 12 lead changes throughout. A notable moment came when Plum executed a three-point play followed by a 3-pointer, giving the Sparks a lead of 69-68 โ€” their first since leading 18-16 at the conclusion of the first quarter.

    Williams managed to sink a crucial 3-pointer, leveling the score at 106 with 16.4 seconds left in the second overtime period. Earlier, Diggins had tied the game at 99 with a mere 18 seconds remaining in the first overtime, but a buzzer-beating attempt by Plum did not find its mark.

    Jackson set the stage for overtime by equalizing the score at 86 with 4.3 seconds left in regulation, although Wheelerโ€™s attempt to clinch the game at the buzzer was unsuccessful.