Sky dominate Sparks behind Angel Reese, Chennedy Carter

The Sparks couldn’t overcome the second-half dominance of the Chicago Sky and Angel Reese on Friday.

After a strong first half, the Sparks struggle to maintain momentum against the Chicago Sky to drop their third game in a row, 92-78, on Friday night.

Dearica Hamby had 21 points to lead the Sparks along with four rebounds, five assists and four steals. Rickea Jackson had another strong game, scoring 17 points with six rebounds, three assists and three blocks.

Azurá Stevens pitched in with nine points and nine rebounds. Li Yueru was great off the bench with nine points and three rebounds.

The game was fast-paced with both teams trading baskets early. Chennedy Carter, who had missed some time for the Sky, was red hot for them to start. Every player in the starting five for Los Angeles scored a bucket.

A 13-3 run put LA up six with the quarter winding down. A pair of threes then gave the Sky some momentum. The Sparks started missing their shots and turning the ball over.

Hamby was fouled and converted on one free throw to give LA a one-point lead at the end of the first.

Los Angeles went up five to begin the second quarter. Jackson was having another dominant game, becoming the first player from either team to reach double digits. LA’s defense was great and they continued to make the Sky work hard for shots.

The Sparks were on a 10-3 run and extended their lead to eight. Chicago answered back by turning up their offense behind great scoring from Diamond DeShields and Rachel Banham, who was lighting it up from behind the arc.

It was turned into a one-point game after Michaela Onyenwere was subbed in for the Sky and scored four straight points. Chicago took the lead with five minutes left in the half. Yueru scored seven points to help the Sparks remain close,

At halftime, the Sky were up six.

Hamby picked up her third foul 30 seconds into the second half. The Sparks were creating good looks but struggling to connect on most of them. Although she was in foul trouble, Hamby scored big for Los Angeles and cut the deficit to five.

The Sky started dominating with Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso leading the way. Carter wasn’t scoring as much but was up to six assists. The Sky were up 14 at the end of the third.

The Sparks were playing harder to start the final frame. They cut the deficit to 12 and were still in the game. Instead, though, the game started slipping away from Los Angeles as they found themselves down 16.

As we’ve seen the Sparks do all season long, they continue to try to make a last-chance comeback late.

A 3-pointer by Reese put the Sky up 16. The rest of the fourth was all Chicago as turnovers and lack of scoring doomed the Sparks again, as it has all season long.

Key Takeaways:

The biggest takeaway from this season might end up being the Sparks’ inability to play a complete game. Losing steam in the second half has doomed them quite a lot.

Dearica Hamby is the Most Improved Player of the Year and there should be no debate.

The Sparks’ next game will be against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday at 6:00 PM PT.

You can follow Karin on Twitter at @KarinAbcarians.