The Los Angeles Sparks’ matchup against the Connecticut Sun took a dramatic turn in the fourth quarter when Sparks forward Dearica Hamby was ejected following a hard foul involving Connecticut center Raegan Beers.
With 8:39 remaining in regulation, Hamby and Beers were battling for position underneath the basket when Hamby swung her arm backward and struck Beers in the head. Officials reviewed the play and upgraded the foul to a flagrant 2, which resulted in Hamby’s automatic ejection.
Why Was Dearica Hamby Ejected?
Dearica Hamby was ejected from the Sun vs. Sparks game after officials determined that her contact with Raegan Beers warranted a flagrant 2 foul.
The incident occurred during a physical battle for position near the basket. As the two players fought for space, Hamby’s arm moved backward and made contact with Beers’ head.
After reviewing the sequence, officials assessed the flagrant 2. Under WNBA rules, that classification carries an automatic ejection, ending Hamby’s night.
Raegan Beers Leaves With Jaw Injury
The play also had a significant impact on the Connecticut Sun. Beers remained on the floor for a period following the contact and needed assistance to leave the court.
Connecticut later announced that Beers would not return to the game because of a jaw injury.
Her absence added another layer of concern to an already heated fourth-quarter sequence, with the Sun forced to continue without one of their interior players.
Sparks Had Already Been Eliminated From Playoff Contention
Hamby’s ejection came just two days after the Sparks’ playoff hopes officially ended.
Los Angeles was eliminated from postseason contention on Aug. 20 after suffering a heavy 124-88 loss to the Atlanta Dream.
That meant the Sun matchup was no longer about keeping the Sparks’ playoff hopes alive. Instead, Los Angeles was looking to finish the season strongly and build momentum for the future.
What Happened in the Sun vs. Sparks Incident?
The key sequence unfolded with 8:39 remaining in the fourth quarter. Hamby and Beers were competing for position underneath the basket when Hamby’s backward arm movement caught Beers in the head.
Beers was assessed a loose-ball foul during the sequence, while Hamby was ultimately given the more serious penalty after the officials reviewed the contact.
The flagrant 2 ruling meant Hamby was immediately removed from the contest.
Why the Ejection Matters
The incident became one of the biggest talking points from the Sun vs. Sparks matchup because it involved both an ejection and an injury.
For Los Angeles, Hamby is an important part of the team’s frontcourt and overall rotation. Losing her late in the game forced the Sparks to adjust during the closing minutes.
For Connecticut, Beers’ jaw injury was the bigger concern. Her inability to return meant the Sun had to finish the game without her after the physical sequence.
Sun vs. Sparks: Final Takeaway
The matchup between the Connecticut Sun and Los Angeles Sparks produced a controversial moment when Dearica Hamby was ejected for a flagrant 2 foul on Raegan Beers.
The foul followed a battle for position under the basket, with Hamby’s arm making contact with Beers’ head. After a review, officials upgraded the call and automatically ejected Hamby.
Beers subsequently left the game with a jaw injury, while the Sparks continued without Hamby for the remainder of the contest.
The incident overshadowed much of the late-game action and added another dramatic chapter to the 2026 WNBA season.
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