The Sparks vs Wings matchup stayed competitive for three quarters before the Dallas Wings took control in the final period, defeating the Los Angeles Sparks 97-77 on Thursday.
Los Angeles battled throughout the game after the FIBA break, but a late third-quarter surge from the Wings changed the momentum. Dallas closed the third quarter with a 7-0 run before outscoring the Sparks 28-19 in the fourth.
Dallas Wings Take Control Late
The Dallas Wings started quickly and built an early five-point advantage, but the Sparks responded and eventually moved in front. Dearica Hamby helped get Los Angeles on the scoreboard, while Rae Burrell provided an offensive spark with six early points.
The teams traded runs throughout the opening period, with Los Angeles holding an advantage in fast-break scoring. Both teams also produced 12 points in the paint during the first quarter, which ended tied.
The second quarter remained closely contested. Alysha Clark gave Dallas a boost off the bench, scoring on a layup before adding a three-pointer. Burrell continued her strong start and reached 10 points by halftime.
Los Angeles also found success attacking the paint, outscoring Dallas 12-2 in that area during the second period. The Sparks shot 40% from the field and 36% from three-point range in the first half, while Nneka Ogwumike had 11 points and six rebounds.
The game was tied again at halftime.
Wings Build Separation in Third Quarter
The third quarter began with Nneka Ogwumike hitting a turnaround jumper for Los Angeles. Both teams initially struggled to find their rhythm, with turnovers and missed opportunities preventing either side from establishing control.
Arike Ogunbowale eventually got Dallas going with a three-pointer. The Wings and Sparks then exchanged leads as the offense picked up.
Maddy Siegrist’s three-pointer pushed Dallas ahead by five, forcing Los Angeles to call timeout. Following the break, Aaliyah Nye made an immediate impact in her Sparks debut by knocking down a three-pointer for her first points with Los Angeles.
Dallas responded strongly late in the quarter. Awak Kuier scored five points, while Odyssey Sims added a layup as the Wings finished the period with an 11-point advantage.
Dallas Wings Dominate Fourth Quarter
The Sparks needed a strong start to the fourth quarter, but Dallas continued its momentum.
The Wings opened the final period by scoring four consecutive points. After Los Angeles was assessed a technical foul, Clark converted the resulting free throw.
Dallas then continued to shoot efficiently. The Wings went a perfect 5-for-5 from the field early in the quarter, while Los Angeles struggled to generate consistent offense.
That fourth-quarter difference ultimately turned a close game into a 20-point Dallas victory.
The final score in the Sparks vs Wings matchup was Dallas Wings 97, Los Angeles Sparks 77.
Nneka Ogwumike Leads Sparks
Nneka Ogwumike was one of Los Angeles’ leading performers, finishing with 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Dearica Hamby added 14 points and four rebounds, while Rae Burrell contributed 12 points and four assists.
Cameron Brink delivered an all-around defensive performance with nine points, five rebounds, two steals and four blocks.
Aaliyah Nye also made her Sparks debut and finished with six points and three rebounds, giving Los Angeles another contributor after the FIBA break.
What’s Next for the Sparks?
The loss dropped Los Angeles after a competitive first three quarters, but the Sparks showed stretches of strong interior scoring and transition offense before Dallas pulled away.
The Sparks are scheduled to return to action Sunday against the Portland Fire at 4 p.m. PT.
For the Dallas Wings, the 97-77 victory was powered by their late-game offensive surge and strong fourth-quarter shooting. Their ability to turn a four-point game late in the third into a 20-point win was the defining factor in this matchup.
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