ARLINGTON, TX — The Dallas Wings fell in their third meeting with the Los Angeles Sparks with Dearica Hamby leading the team with 27 points, four rebounds, and five assists.
The Dallas Wings had a strong start leading up to their third meeting against the Los Angeles Sparks. However, their 6-2 turnover rate in the first quarter allowed the Sparks to take their first lead heading into the second quarter. The Sparks were also bolstered by the performances of rookie Rickea Jackson and Dearica Hamby.
Jackson and Hamby combined for 29 of Los Angeles’ 45 points in the first half. Additionally, Azura Stevens proved to provide a boost for the Sparks, contributing eight points and six rebounds in the first half, marking her third game back from an injury suffered overseas.
The Wings faced a scoring drought, trailing 38-41 until a shooting foul called against Hamby sent Natasha Howard to the free-throw line. Howard successfully made both free throws and followed up with a two-pointer on the next play, putting the Wings ahead 42-41.
Unfortunately, Howard appeared to be shaken up on the play and exited to the locker room before returning in the third quarter. In the first half, Howard, along with Arike Ogunbowale, led the team by scoring 10 points each.
The Sparks took their largest lead of the game, 58-48, after two completed free throws from Jackson. From there, Dallas worked their way back within striking distance with significant contributions from Odyssey Sims and Kalani Brown. After a series of back-and-forth calls between the teams, the matchup turned into a heated battle.
Howard tied the game at 61-61 with a layup, and shortly after, Sims helped Dallas take the lead, 63-61. Los Angeles came back to take the lead yet again and it was Dallas’ job to find a way to come back from a five-point deficit with 2:39 remaining.
Unfortunately for Dallas not only were crucial shots not sinking, falling 87-81.
Head coach Latricia Trammell said postgame they lost the game toward the end due to missed shots, but they can’t dwell on that. It’s time to look toward the Indiana Fever before the All-Star and Olympic break. Trammell added they’re excited for this time because it will be a time of reset and are hopeful to get bodies back on the floor.
UP NEXT: The Dallas Wings will remain at home to take on the Indiana Fever on Wednesday night, tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m.
