The Phoenix Mercury traveled to Los Angeles to face the Sparks at Galen Center, and the game featured a breakout performance from a rookie who is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting young players in the WNBA. Noemie Brochant scored a season-high 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting, and Alyssa Thomas delivered a masterful fourth-quarter performance to lead the Mercury to a 94-87 victory that snapped a three-game losing streak.
The Sparks, also struggling at 12-20, came into the game with their own motivations. Los Angeles has shown flashes of competitiveness, including an upset of the WNBA-leading Minnesota Lynx, but the consistency has not been there. The Sparks are aiming to close the gap on the eighth-place Dallas Wings for the final playoff spot, but the margin is thin and the games are running out.
The second quarter saw the Sparks take a slim lead. Los Angeles outscored Phoenix 24-21 in the period, with Rae Burrell providing a spark off the bench. Burrell, who has been one of the most improved players on the Sparks roster, scored 19 points and showed the kind of three-level scoring ability that makes her a building block for the future. The Sparks went into halftime with a 47-44 lead and the momentum.
The fourth quarter was the Alyssa Thomas show. Thomas, one of the most accomplished players in the WNBA, scored nine of her 16 points in the final period, taking over the game when the Mercury needed her most. Phoenix trailed 81-78 with 4:56 remaining before Thomas sparked a 16-6 run that decided the game. She made a layup with 49.6 seconds left to give the Mercury an 88-84 lead, and then added two free throws on the next possession to extend the margin to six points.
For the Sparks, Hamby led the way with 19 points, while Ogwumike stuffed the stat sheet with 18 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Ogwumike has been the heart and soul of the Sparks franchise, and her all-around performance was a reminder of the kind of player she has been throughout her career. Burrell 19 points off the bench was a bright spot, and the young guard is emerging as a key piece for the Sparks future.
The Mercury will look to build on this win when they travel to Portland on Sunday. The Sparks, meanwhile, will head to New York to face the Liberty on Thursday, a daunting task against one of the best teams in the league. Both teams are running out of time to make a playoff push, but the Mercury, with a healthy roster and the confidence from this win, have a glimmer of hope.
