The Los Angeles Sparks secured their first victory of the season by defeating the Toronto Tempo 99-95 on Friday night. Kelsey Plum was the standout performer, scoring 27 points, including 18 in the second half. This game marked the first win for the Sparks, who improved to a 1-2 record. Meanwhile, the expansion Tempo, still in their debut season, fell to 1-2 after a tough road game.
Game Overview
The Sparks initially took control, leading by 20 points in the second half. However, the Tempo battled back to narrow the margin to just two points with a little over two minutes remaining. Despite the late surge from Toronto, Plum and Nneka Ogwumike combined to extend the lead, ensuring a narrow victory for Los Angeles.
Key Players and Stats
Kelsey Plum was instrumental, scoring a total of 27 points. Ogwumike contributed significantly as well, finishing the game with 20 points. Other notable performances for the Sparks included:
- Dearica Hamby – 19 points
- Rae Burrell – 13 points
- Eric Wheeler – 10 points
On the opposing side, Brittney Sykes led the Tempo with 27 points, supported by Laura Juskaite with 16 points and Nyara Sabally with 14 points. Toronto’s bench also showed strength, particularly Kiki Rice, who added 11 points.
Shooting Performance
The Sparks showcased impressive shooting, hitting 64% of their shots (37 of 58), while the Tempo managed 44% accuracy. A significant factor in the game was the dominance of Los Angeles in points in the paint, outscoring Toronto 54-30.
Game Timeline
The Sparks jumped out to an early 10-0 lead and established a commanding 21-2 advantage. Toronto responded, closing the first quarter down by 11 points, trailing 28-17. The game saw various momentum shifts, with the Sparks maintaining a slight lead throughout the second quarter, leading 46-38 at halftime.
After halftime, Los Angeles began the third quarter with a 12-0 run, stretching their lead to 58-38. The Tempo fought back, finishing the third quarter at 74-63.
Upcoming Matchup
The Sparks and the Tempo will meet again on Sunday in Los Angeles, providing Toronto an opportunity to bounce back after this hard-fought loss.
