Sparks Defeat Mystics For Second Straight Game (7-22-25)

By: Jaden Golding

Headline Photo Credit: WNBA

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Dearica Hamby scored 24 points, leading the Los Angeles Sparks to a 93-86 win over the Washington Mystics at CareFirst Arena. Hamby also finished with a double-double, grabbing 14 rebounds.

Los Angeles (9-14) has won three straight and is only two games away from the final playoff spot. They’ll look to keep the momentum going with last year’s second overall pick, Cameron Brink, nearing her return to the court after tearing her ACL last season.

Washington (11-12) has lost back-to-back games, coming against the Sparks once in Los Angeles and yesterday’s game at home. 

The Mystics jumped out to an 18-3 lead in the first quarter, bringing a lot of energy on both sides of the floor that stifled the Sparks’ ability to find rhythm. 

However, even after LA trailed by as much as 16 in the first quarter, they responded big time in the second quarter, outscoring D.C. 24-9. The Sparks took the lead into halftime, 40-35. 

Rickea Jackson was on a heater in the second half, scoring 20 of her 22 points, 10 of which came in the fourth quarter alone. Jackson made four three-pointers, with teammate Kelsey Plum making three. 

Washington was led by veteran Brittney Sykes, who scored 18, and Shakira Austin, who added 17 points, four steals, and two blocks. Kiki Irafen dished in 13 points, with her fellow rookie all-star teammate Sonia Citron having a quieter night with seven points, but was the only starter to finish with a plus rating (+7)

The Mystics trailed 81-78 after Stefanie Dolson hit a three-pointer with 4:03 left in the fourth before the Sparks went on a 10-0 run over the next two-and-a-half minutes to pull away with the victory.

Up Next:

The Mystics continue their five-game homestand at CareFirst Arena, hosting the Seattle Storm on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.