WNBA Los Angeles Sparks

Sparks Bench Leads Second Half Comeback, Falls Short against Mystics

Published on August 24, 2021 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Los Angeles Sparks News Release


The Los Angeles Sparks continued their 15-day six-game east coast road trip Tuesday night in Washington D.C. to face-off against the Mystics. Facing time change, and the effects of playing their fifth game in only nine days, the Sparks struggled to find energy as the Mystics won 78-68 at home.

In the fourth quarter, the Sparks bench cut a 33-point second half deficit down to 10 while outscoring the Mystics 24-7 in the fourth quarter. Rookie Arella Guirantes put up eight points, tying her career high and contributing to the comeback. Nia Coffey led the Sparks in scoring off the bench with 15 points, tying her season high.

The Sparks went on a 9-2 run to close out the third quarter showing signs of life. 2021 Defensive Player of the Year candidate Brittney Sykes led the short spurt creating points off turnovers on back-to-back possessions, while hounding Washington's Sydney Wiese defensively.

Coming into Thursday, the Sparks won four straight games. They were highlighted by a gritty victory against the Liberty, a game-winning bucket courtesy of Nneka Ogwumike, and multiple hard-fought battles resulting in close victories.

The Sparks struggled in the first half against the Washington Mystics, getting outscored 56-23. This comes as the Sparks continue to mold a roster that has played very limited games together all season. Tuesday marks just the second time WNBA All-Stars N. and Chiney Ogwumike, and twotime WNBA Champion Kristi Toliver have all played together since late May.

"I think there are some nights where that extra 'umph' is hard to find." C. Ogwumike said. "We know our starters are giving their all consistently, so just having their back on nights like this."

The Mystics got off to a hot start-shooting a blistering 55.6% from the field. The Sparks shot just 25.6% from the field. In just her second game back since the start of the 2021 season, Mystics forward Elena Della Donne put up 18 points and four rebounds in the first half. Despite still adjusting to returning to the court, C. Ogwumike put up nine points, eight rebounds, and one steal.

The Mystics had three players score in double-figure including Myisha Hines-Allen (19), Della Donne (18), and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (10) combining for 47 of the team's 78 total points.

The Sparks will continue their east coast swing traveling next to play Connecticut Sun on Thursday, August 26 at 4:00 pm PT.

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