The Los Angeles Sparks delivered an electrifying performance on Sunday, May 25, 2025, to earn their second win of the WNBA season, defeating the Chicago Sky 91–78 at Crypto.com Arena. The game, which drew a lively home crowd, showcased the Sparks’ offensive firepower and defensive grit, particularly in a dominant third quarter that shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.
Kelsey Plum led the charge with a season-best performance, scoring 28 points and dishing out eight assists. Her third-quarter explosion—17 points in just 10 minutes—was instrumental in breaking the game open. Plum hit five three-pointers during that stretch, energizing the crowd and creating a gap the Sky could never fully close.
Azurá Stevens complemented Plum’s performance with an impressive stat line of 24 points and eight rebounds. Her presence in the paint and mid-range shot-making provided the Sparks with consistent scoring, while Dearica Hamby contributed one of the most well-rounded performances of the game. Hamby recorded 10 points, six rebounds, eight assists, and six steals, acting as a critical two-way force throughout all four quarters.
The Sparks also received strong contributions from their bench. Odyssey Sims added 12 points with her aggressive drives and perimeter shooting, while rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker delivered a breakout performance. Barker, making just her fifth WNBA appearance, posted a season-high nine points and added two steals, helping maintain the Sparks’ pace and pressure when starters rested.
The game began as a close contest, with both teams trading early baskets and the Sparks edging out a 22–20 lead by the end of the first quarter. Chicago managed to briefly take the lead in the second quarter, but a late push by the Sparks allowed them to enter halftime with a 44–40 advantage.
However, it was the third quarter that proved to be the turning point. The Sparks outscored the Sky 33–25, fueled by Plum’s shooting clinic and intensified defensive pressure. They forced multiple turnovers and limited the Sky’s transition opportunities, capitalizing on their mistakes with fast-break points and perimeter shooting.
Chicago attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, trimming the lead to single digits. Angel Reese, the Sky’s rookie standout, posted a solid double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. But the Sparks’ composure held, as clutch free throws from Stevens and timely buckets from Barker helped secure the win.
One of the game’s most talked-about moments came when Plum scored on a driving layup over Reese and followed it with a “too small” gesture—an action that quickly went viral on social media. While some viewed it as competitive flair, others criticized the gesture, pointing to the growing spotlight on sportsmanship in the WNBA.
The Sparks’ win improves their record to 2–3 on the season, while the Sky drop to 0–3. The victory marks a promising step forward for Los Angeles, which has shown flashes of potential but struggled with consistency in the early part of the season.
Looking ahead, the Sparks will aim to continue building momentum when they host the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday, May 27, at Crypto.com Arena. With Plum and Stevens leading the way and younger talent like Barker stepping up, the Sparks are beginning to resemble a team that could make serious noise in the playoff race if they maintain this upward trajectory.