Game Overview
On Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Los Angeles Sparks (2-5) faced off against the Phoenix Mercury (4-2) in a thrilling WNBA matchup at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The game, which tipped off at 6:00 PM ET and was broadcast on AZFamily and SportsNet LA, saw the Mercury overcome an 18-point first-half deficit to secure an 85-80 victory, improving their record to 5-2 and kicking off their Commissioner’s Cup play with a 1-0 start. The Sparks, despite a valiant effort led by Odyssey Sims, fell to 2-6 on the season.
Team Context and Injuries
The Sparks entered the game struggling to find consistency, with a 2-5 record and two consecutive losses to the Las Vegas Aces (96-81) and Atlanta Dream (88-82). Their revamped roster, featuring new star Kelsey Plum, was still working to gel, with limited bench depth and challenges in half-court offense. The Sparks were without key players Cameron Brink (knee) and Rae Burrell (leg), both sidelined due to injuries reported earlier in the season.
The Mercury, sitting second in the Western Conference with a 4-2 record, were coming off a narrow 74-71 loss to the Minnesota Lynx but had won two straight home games prior. They were also dealing with injuries, missing Natasha Mack (back) and Kahleah Copper (knee), which tested their depth but showcased their resilience.
Game Summary
First Quarter
The Sparks came out firing, led by Odyssey Sims, who erupted for 14 points in the opening frame. Los Angeles capitalized on Phoenix’s poor shooting (31% from the field) and closed the quarter on a 9-0 run to take a 27-17 lead. The Sparks shot an impressive 52% from the field, with Sims setting the tone with her aggressive drives and efficient scoring. Satou Sabally was the Mercury’s primary scorer in the quarter, contributing 7 points, but Phoenix struggled to find rhythm offensively.
Second Quarter
Los Angeles continued their dominance in the second, building an 18-point lead (47-29) with 2:54 remaining before halftime. Sims added to her tally, finishing the half with 17 points, while Dearica Hamby and Azura Stevens contributed through scoring and rebounding. The Sparks were lethal from beyond the arc, going 8-of-20 from three-point range in the first half. Phoenix, despite hitting 6-of-18 threes, couldn’t match LA’s offensive output and trailed 50-37 at the break. Sabally led the Mercury with 11 points, but their 9 turnovers and defensive lapses allowed the Sparks to control the pace.
Third Quarter
The Mercury mounted a comeback in the third, sparked by a 23-7 run that flipped the game’s momentum. Kathryn Westbeld’s open 3-pointer from the top of the key with 2:11 left gave Phoenix their first lead since early in the first quarter (58-57). Satou Sabally was instrumental, adding points and assists, while Sami Whitcomb and Kitija Laksa provided timely shooting. The Sparks, despite Sims’ continued brilliance, saw their offense stall, missing several shots and committing 11 turnovers by the end of the quarter. Phoenix’s defensive intensity, including a key block by Westbeld on Hamby’s layup, helped them close the gap. The score was tight heading into the fourth, with the Mercury up slightly.
Fourth Quarter
The final period was a back-and-forth battle. The Sparks, trailing 80-78 with 1:06 remaining, had multiple chances to tie or take the lead. Kelsey Plum forced a jump ball, giving LA possession, but the Sparks couldn’t convert, with Plum missing a 3-pointer, a free-throw line jumper, and turning the ball over on a drive. Phoenix capitalized, with Laksa and Westbeld each sinking two free throws in the final 18.9 seconds to secure an 84-80 lead. Sabally sealed the game with additional free throws, finishing with 24 points, nine rebounds, and four steals. The Sparks’ three-point shooting, which had been a strength in the first half, collapsed as they missed all 15 attempts from deep in the second half, contributing to their inability to close the gap.
Key Performances
Phoenix Mercury
- Satou Sabally: 24 points (8-16 FG, 2-5 3P, 6-6 FT), 9 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists. Sabally was the catalyst for Phoenix’s comeback, delivering clutch scoring and defensive plays.
- Kathryn Westbeld: 15 points (6-10 FG, 1-2 3P), 4 rebounds, 1.2 blocks per game average. Her third-quarter 3-pointer shifted momentum, and her defensive presence was critical.
- Kitija Laksa: 15 points (5-9 FG, 2-4 3P), including key free throws late. Laksa’s scoring off the bench provided a vital spark.
- Sami Whitcomb: 11 points (3-7 3P), contributing to Phoenix’s 12-of-36 three-point shooting.
- Monique Akoa-Makani: 10 points, 6 assists, 1.2 steals per game average, providing steady playmaking.
The Mercury shot 32.6% from the field and 33.3% from three, with 24 rebounds and 9 turnovers. Their ability to rally from a large deficit highlighted their depth and resilience despite missing key players.
Los Angeles Sparks
- Odyssey Sims: 32 points (10-14 FG, 2-4 3P), 5 rebounds, 4 assists. Sims was a one-woman show, carrying the Sparks’ offense with efficient scoring.
- Kelsey Plum: 15 points (4-19 FG, 1-8 3P), 5.1 assists, 2.4 steals per game average. Plum struggled with her shot but made hustle plays, including forcing a late jump ball.
- Dearica Hamby: 15 points (6-12 FG), 8 rebounds, 4.1 assists per game average. Hamby was a force inside but was limited by Phoenix’s defense late.
- Azura Stevens: 15 points, 9.6 rebounds per game average, providing a strong presence on the boards.
- Sarah Ashlee Barker: 6 points (2-5 FG, 2-4 3P), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block in 14 minutes off the bench.
The Sparks shot 44.7% from the field and 33.3% from three in the first half but went 0-15 from deep after halftime. They had 26 rebounds and 11 turnovers, with their second-half offensive struggles proving costly.
Key Statistics
- Field Goal %: Mercury 32.6%, Sparks 44.7%
- Three-Point %: Both teams 33.3% (Mercury 12-36, Sparks 8-23)
- Rebounds: Sparks 26, Mercury 24
- Turnovers: Mercury 9, Sparks 11
- Points in the Paint: Sparks outscored Mercury inside, but Phoenix’s late free throws were decisive.
- Fast Break Points: Sparks capitalized early, but Mercury’s transition defense tightened in the second half.
Analysis
The game showcased the contrasting fortunes of the two teams. The Sparks’ hot start, driven by Sims’ scoring and efficient three-point shooting, exposed Phoenix’s early defensive lapses. However, the Mercury’s depth and defensive adjustments in the second half, led by Sabally and Westbeld, turned the tide. Phoenix’s 23-7 third-quarter run was a testament to their ability to adapt and exploit LA’s waning offensive momentum. The Sparks’ inability to hit threes in the second half and their missed opportunities late in the fourth were pivotal in their collapse.
For the Mercury, the win underscored their status as a Western Conference contender, even without Copper and Mack. Their balanced scoring and clutch free-throw shooting in the final moments secured the victory. The Sparks, meanwhile, showed flashes of potential but were hindered by their lack of depth and second-half offensive woes, a recurring issue in their 2-6 start.
Looking Ahead
The Mercury (5-2) continue their road trip against the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, looking to build on their Commissioner’s Cup momentum. The Sparks (2-6) have a few days off before facing the Dallas Wings on Friday, June 6, 2025, where they’ll aim to address their offensive inconsistencies and integrate their roster further.
Sources
- ESPN: Game summary and recap
- The Athletic: Box score and injury updates
- Sofascore: Game details and statistics
- Bleacher Nation: Game preview and injury report
- X Posts: @BurnCitySports, @SportingTrib, @LoJoMedia, @FlyByKnite, @BrightSideSun, @ECreates88, @BamaProUpdates
