Sparks rally in fourth again against Fever, pick up win

Sparks Make a Comeback in Fourth Quarter to Defeat the Fever

In a thrilling display of resilience, the Los Angeles Sparks once again staged a fourth-quarter comeback to secure a crucial victory over the Indiana Fever on Saturday. The final score was 88-87, marking another impressive win for the team after their previous come-from-behind success just 10 days earlier.

Azurá Stevens was the standout performer for the Sparks, contributing 21 points and 9 rebounds. Kelsey Plum also played a pivotal role, scoring 20 points with a strong second quarter performance. Dearica Hamby added 18 points, while Rickea Jackson chipped in with 15 points.

The game started with both teams trading baskets, as the Sparks managed to keep pace despite giving up some early easy points to the Fever. Midway through the first quarter, the Sparks held a 13-10 lead before Aliyah Boston’s and-one play tied the game. Stevens responded with a three-pointer to regain the lead, but the Fever eventually took control with a three-pointer from Kelsey Mitchell, putting them ahead 19-18.

A late flurry from the Fever in the first quarter saw Makayla Timpson block Jackson at the rim, followed by another three-pointer from Mitchell to give Indiana a 23-21 lead after the first period.

Despite the initial challenges, the Sparks continued to match the Fever point-for-point. After a three-pointer by Colson and two free throws from Natasha Howard gave Indiana a six-point lead, Plum hit an important three to cut the deficit in half. A jumper from Jackson and a tough finish from Plum helped the Sparks take a 33-32 lead with just under five minutes left in the half.

Plum continued her strong performance with a step-back three-pointer, but the Fever remained persistent, keeping the game tied at 36. Indiana extended their lead with a three-pointer from Lexie Hull, but Jackson answered with a basket at the rim, forcing a timeout. The Sparks entered halftime trailing by just three points.

The third quarter saw more back-and-forth action, with Stevens hitting a timely three-pointer to prevent the Fever from pulling away. Natasha Howard responded with a three-pointer of her own, pushing the lead back to four. Stevens then made a fastbreak layup to narrow the gap, prompting an Indiana timeout.

Once again, the Fever made a push, opening up an eight-point lead, but Stevens answered with another three-pointer. Hamby followed up with her own three-pointer, bringing the game within two points. A subsequent three-pointer by Plum put the Sparks up 70-67, and although Howard converted on the other end before the buzzer, LA still carried a one-point lead into the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter was filled with intensity, as both teams fought for every possession. Lexie Hull gave the Fever a three-point lead, but Stevens quickly responded. Mitchell extended the lead to five points with a three-pointer, but Plum made it a two-point game with two free throws. Sophie Cunningham’s and-one play increased the lead to five again, but consecutive baskets by Jackson and Hamby brought the game back to within one point.

Boston and Mitchell continued to respond, but Jackson’s big three-point play kept the Sparks in the game. After a defensive stop, Jackson finished at the rim to put the Sparks up 88-87 with 57.4 seconds remaining. Stevens then blocked Boston’s layup attempt, secured the rebound, and called a timeout to set up the final possession.

LA turned the ball over on the next play, but the Fever missed two key opportunities to take the lead. Stevens secured the rebound and split a pair of free throws with 3.3 seconds left, missing the second shot. Boston attempted an open jumper at the buzzer, but it clanged off the rim, sealing the victory for the Sparks.