Sparks Surge Past Mystics with Statement Win to Build Momentum Before All-Star Break

The Los Angeles Sparks delivered one of their most commanding performances of the season on Tuesday night, overpowering the Washington Mystics 99–80 in a victory that not only showcased their offensive firepower but also hinted at the team’s potential turning point as they head into the All-Star break.

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In a game defined by relentless energy and efficient scoring, Dearica Hamby led the charge with 26 points, punctuating her first-half dominance by scoring 10 unanswered points to close out the second quarter. Rickea Jackson, the rookie whose confidence continues to blossom, added an impressive 22 points, further validating her growing role as an integral part of the Sparks’ attack.

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Equally impactful was the Sparks’ collective poise and ball movement. Veteran guard Julie Allemand orchestrated the offense with precision, dishing out 10 assists against a lone turnover—a level of control that allowed Los Angeles to shoot a scorching 53.5% from the field. Kelsey Plum, whose shooting touch can transform any game, chipped in 20 points, while Azura Stevens added 15 points and eight boards, providing much-needed stability in the paint.

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This dominant display was especially significant for the Sparks, who have struggled to generate consistency this season. The win marked their first back-to-back victories of the year and pushed their overall record to 8–14, matching last season’s total wins with nearly half the schedule still to play. More importantly, they did so with their most prolific offensive output yet, hitting a season-high 99 points and blowing the game open with a first-half barrage that left Washington reeling.

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For the Mystics, who came in riding a three-game winning streak and hoping to climb above .500, the game unraveled in the second quarter. Washington was outscored 25–12 in that period, undone by sloppy execution and costly turnovers—17 in total—that the Sparks eagerly converted into transition opportunities. Brittney Sykes, the Mystics’ leading scorer this season, was limited to just eight points on 2-of-7 shooting, thanks to a disciplined Sparks defense that forced Washington to find answers elsewhere.

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Though Shakira Austin fought valiantly, contributing 16 points and eight rebounds, and Sug Sutton and Aaliyah Edwards added 14 and 13 points respectively, the Mystics never recovered from the decisive first-half run. Even a stronger start to the third quarter, when they managed 12 points in just four minutes, couldn’t undo the damage as the Sparks maintained a comfortable double-digit cushion the rest of the way.

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This matchup was the first of two consecutive meetings between the teams, setting up an intriguing rematch next Tuesday where the Mystics will surely look to respond with greater composure and defensive intensity.

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Momentum at a Critical Juncture

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For Los Angeles, this performance represents more than just a statistical high. It’s a sign that the team’s young core and experienced contributors are beginning to gel, finding the right balance between attacking aggression and disciplined execution. Players like Rickea Jackson are proving they can handle the pressure of bigger roles, while veterans like Hamby and Plum continue to anchor the squad with steady leadership.

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Head coach Curt Miller will hope this momentum translates into a more consistent second half. With the Sparks sitting outside of playoff positioning in a competitive league landscape, sustained team chemistry and efficiency will be critical if they aim to make a push.

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One broader takeaway is the Sparks’ renewed commitment to team basketball. Their assist-to-turnover ratio and offensive balance underscore the importance of unselfish play—a lesson many teams with young rosters struggle to learn quickly. If this game is any indication, the Sparks may finally be unlocking the offensive identity they’ve been searching for.

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What’s Next

Both teams now get a chance to regroup during the All-Star break, but the stakes remain high when they face each other again next week. The Mystics, at 11–11, still have plenty of ground to cover to assert themselves among the league’s elite, and a stronger defensive performance will be key to preventing a repeat of Tuesday night’s rout.

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For the Sparks, this win could prove a catalyst—turning a bumpy start into a more competitive second half. If they can build on the confidence and cohesion displayed against the Mystics, they may yet find themselves back in the playoff conversation.

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