Phoenix Mercury rally to defeat Los Angeles Sparks 85-80 after 18-point deficit

Mercury outscore Sparks in second half to secure road victory
The Phoenix Mercury rallied from an early 18-point deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 85-80 on Sunday, June 1, improving to 5-2 on the season. Satou Sabally led the Mercury with 24 points, nine rebounds, and four steals.

Phoenix took its first lead since the opening minutes when Kathryn Westbeld hit a 3-pointer with 2:11 left in the third quarter, giving the Mercury a 58-57 advantage. The shot capped a 23-7 run, which included free throws from Sabally to extend the lead.


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In the final minutes, Los Angeles had multiple opportunities to regain control. Guard Kelsey Plum forced a jump ball with 1:06 left, leading to a Sparks possession. However, the Sparks failed to convert three scoring chances, including two missed shots by Plum and a turnover on a drive into the lane.

Kitija Laksa made two free throws with 18.9 seconds remaining to push Phoenix’s lead to 82-78. Westbeld followed with two more free throws at 9.9 seconds to make it 84-80. Sami Whitcomb contributed 11 points, including three 3-pointers, while Monique Akoa Makani added 10 points and six assists for the Mercury.

The Sparks (2-6) were led by Odyssey Sims, who scored 32 points on 10-of-14 shooting. Plum added 15 points but was 4-of-19 from the field. Dearica Hamby recorded 15 points and eight rebounds.

Los Angeles built a 47-29 lead with 2:54 left in the second quarter and went 8-of-20 from three-point range in the first half. However, the Sparks went 0-for-15 from beyond the arc in the second half, allowing the Mercury to mount their comeback.