Neon Gurl Sports Desk
In a game filled with lead changes, high-level execution, and late-game drama, the Los Angeles Sparks pulled off a thrilling 89–87 win over the Indiana Fever on Saturday night—delivering a statement victory on the road and their second win over Indiana in just ten days.
Azura Stevens was the anchor. With 21 points and 12 rebounds, she notched her sixth double-double of the season and came up huge in the game’s final moments, recording a critical block and rebound to seal the win. Rookie standout Rickea Jackson added 15 points—including the game-winning layup with 57.4 seconds remaining—and showed veteran-level composure down the stretch.
“It was just about staying locked in and not giving up the paint,” Stevens said postgame. “We knew they were going to attack the rim, and we made stops when we needed to.”
The Sparks came out aggressive, shooting nearly 50% from the field and knocking down 10 of their 22 three-point attempts. Kelsey Plum, recently acquired in a midseason trade, continued to find her rhythm in L.A., contributing 20 points and 4 assists while hitting timely shots to keep the Sparks in control during key moments of the fourth quarter. Dearica Hamby added 18 points in another efficient performance.
Still, the Fever didn’t make it easy.
Indiana was led by 2023 Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston, who put up 23 points and 12 rebounds, and Natasha Howard, who poured in 21 and nearly helped Indiana rally late. Kelsey Mitchell added 14 points, and Kristy Wallace chipped in with key minutes off the bench. Even without Caitlin Clark—still sidelined with a minor ankle sprain—the Fever pushed the Sparks to the final buzzer.
With the game tied at 87 in the closing minute, Jackson drove to the basket for a go-ahead layup. On Indiana’s final possession, Boston had a clean look at a potential game-winner but missed the turnaround jumper, giving Los Angeles the win.
“We’ve been in close games all season,” said Sparks head coach Curt Miller. “Tonight, we executed. We shared the ball, we defended, and we stayed mentally tough.”
The Sparks finished with just seven turnovers—tying a season low—and out-rebounded the Fever 34–32. Both teams tallied 22 assists in a fast-paced, fluid game that featured nine lead changes and nine ties.
With the win, the Sparks improve to 6–13, keeping their playoff hopes alive as they approach the midseason mark. Indiana drops to 9–9, continuing a streak of up-and-down performances without their star rookie in the lineup.
Los Angeles now heads back to Crypto.com Arena, where they’ll take on the red-hot Minnesota Lynx on Thursday night. The Fever return home to host Golden State on Wednesday, hoping to bounce back and solidify their standing in a crowded Eastern Conference.
Saturday’s victory didn’t just add another tick to the win column—it showed a Sparks team learning how to close, fight, and grow together in crunch time. For a team that’s been rebuilding and recalibrating all season, this win felt like a turning point.
