Dearica Hamby’s late heroics lift Sparks over Mystics

Dearica Hamby delivered in the clutch, scoring three key baskets in the final four minutes and finishing with 24 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a 93-86 road win over the Washington Mystics on Tuesday night. The victory extended the Sparks' winning streak to three games - their first such streak of the season.


Rickea Jackson added 22 points, including a critical 3-pointer during a decisive 9-0 run late in the fourth quarter. Hamby was highly efficient, shooting 10-of-14 from the field, while Jackson connected on four triples. Azura Stevens chipped in 15 points as the Sparks shot 51.5% from the floor. Kelsey Plum contributed 11 points and seven assists.


Washington, led by Brittney Sykes with 18 points and Shakira Austin with 17, held a 67-67 tie entering the fourth quarter after a late third-period push.


Sonia Citron briefly gave the Mystics a lead early in the final frame, but Hamby and Jackson responded by scoring 10 points each in the quarter to seize control.

The Sparks overcame a sluggish start - trailing 18-3 in the opening minutes - by dominating the second quarter 24-9 to take a 40-35 halftime lead. Hamby had 11 points by halftime as Los Angeles mounted its comeback.

Both teams shot 50% in the first half, but the Sparks held a significant edge from beyond the arc, finishing with a 39-21 advantage in three-point scoring.

The win completed a season sweep over Washington, with LA having also won 99-80 in their pre-All-Star break clash.