By David Jordan Jr
The Los Angeles Sparks welcomed the Washington Mystics to Crypto.com Arena for an interconference matchup. Both teams entered the game looking to build on their respective seasons, as the Sparks sought to protect home, while the Mystics aimed to steal a victory on the road. The energy level inside Crypto.com Arena was contagious, as the passionate play of the ladies in purple and gold was propelled by the enthusiasm from those in attendance. Taking control of the game from the start, the Sparks were able to withstand multiple runs by the Mystics. Throughout the second half of the game, the Sparks controlled the boards and got key stops to end various comeback attempts by Washington. The game would come down to the final two possessions, as Los Angeles forward Nneka Ogwumike would knock down two free throws with ten seconds left to give the Sparks a three-point lead. Natasha Cloud of the Mystics, after being fouled on a three-point attempt missed one of her three free throws, enabling the Sparks to secure the victory over the Mystics 84-82.
The victory ended the Sparks three-game losing streak and gave interim head coach Fred Williams his first victory. Nneka Ogwumike scored 21 points for Los Angeles and Katie Lou Samuelson added 13 points in the win. Check out some of the sights and sounds from Crypto.com Arena.
