There was a playoff-like energy inside Crypto.com Arena on Friday night as the Los Angeles Sparks hosted the Dallas Wings in one of the most entertaining games of the young WNBA season.
From the moment the starting lineups were announced, it was clear who much of the crowd came to see. The loudest reaction of the night belonged to rookie sensation Paige Bueckers. Every touch, every shot attempt, and every big moment from the former UConn star drew a roar from fans eager to watch one of basketball’s brightest young stars.
Bueckers wasted little time making her presence felt, taking the game’s first shot. The Sparks quickly answered when Erica Wheeler knocked down a three, setting the tone for what would become a back-and-forth battle featuring two teams that seemed determined to respond to every basket with one of their own.
The Sparks opened the game aggressively. Cameron Brink energized the crowd with an early three-pointer, Kelsey Plum attacked the basket relentlessly, and Dearica Hamby battled inside against Dallas’ frontcourt. Los Angeles closed the opening quarter with a narrow 28-24 advantage after an entertaining first ten minutes filled with momentum swings and highlight plays.
One of the more enjoyable aspects of the evening was the atmosphere in the arena itself. Whether officials were reviewing plays or teams were in timeout huddles, the crowd stayed engaged. Fans danced, cheered, and embraced every pause in the action, creating an environment that felt more like a major event than a regular season game.
The second quarter only increased the intensity.
Azzi Fudd connected on key shots for Dallas while the Wings and Sparks continued trading baskets. Every time Los Angeles appeared ready to create separation, Dallas responded. Every time Dallas grabbed a lead, the Sparks fought back.
With under five minutes remaining in the half, the Sparks held a slim 44-40 advantage before the Wings surged ahead. Jessica Shepard’s presence inside proved important for Dallas, while Hamby continued to answer for Los Angeles.
The final moments of the half delivered one of the loudest reactions of the night. Bueckers appeared to beat the buzzer with a shot that sent Wings fans into celebration mode. After an official review determined the basket came too late, Sparks fans erupted. Los Angeles entered halftime clinging to a 55-54 lead.
The third quarter featured some of the game’s best basketball.
Hamby opened the scoring for Los Angeles before Bueckers immediately answered. Kelsey Plum continued attacking, while Nneka Ogwumike quietly put together one of her strongest stretches of the evening. The veteran forward’s leadership and efficiency helped keep the Sparks in front despite Dallas repeatedly threatening to take control.
The game evolved into exactly what fans hoped it would become: a star-driven shootout.
Bueckers continued orchestrating the Wings offense while Plum carried much of the scoring load for Los Angeles. Cameron Brink delivered key free throws after drawing Bueckers’ third personal foul, and both teams entered the final minute of the quarter tied at 77 before the Sparks escaped with a razor-thin 78-77 advantage.
The fourth quarter belonged to Dallas.
Brink tied the game with a jumper. Bueckers answered. Plum responded with a tough and-one finish. Every possession seemed to feature another big shot from a star player.
But as the clock wound down, Dallas found another gear.
The Wings used timely baskets, strong rebounding, and clutch execution to create separation. Maddy Siegrist delivered important contributions, while Arike Ogunbowale’s scoring continued to pressure the Sparks defense. Bueckers remained in control of the offense, consistently creating opportunities for teammates while delivering key baskets of her own.
Even as Los Angeles fought to stay within striking distance behind Plum’s scoring and Hamby’s physical play, Dallas never relinquished control during the closing minutes.
When Bueckers calmly stepped to the line and knocked down two late free throws, the outcome was effectively sealed.
Dallas walked away with a 104-96 victory, extending its winning streak and continuing one of the franchise’s strongest starts in years. Ogunbowale led the Wings with 30 points while Bueckers finished with 18 points and a franchise-record-tying 14 assists. Jessica Shepard added a dominant 22-point, 15-rebound performance. For Los Angeles, Plum scored 27 points in her return to action, while Hamby, Ogwumike, Ariel Atkins, and Brink all made significant contributions.
Yet beyond the box score, this game felt like a glimpse into the WNBA’s future.
A sold-out atmosphere. Multiple stars sharing the floor. A rookie drawing cheers in an opposing arena. Veterans delivering big moments. Young fans wearing jerseys and screaming after every basket.
As the final buzzer sounded and a loud contingent of Wings supporters celebrated throughout the arena, one thing was clear: women’s basketball is having a moment, and nights like this are exactly why.
