The tenacious LA Sparks return to the Crypto.com Arena on Friday May 23 in a game against the Golden State Valkyries. The Valkyries earned their first winning streak ever and their first road victory as they beat the LA Sparks 82-73.
It seemed promising for the LA Sparks as they kicked off the game with a potential of dominating the Valkyries but that did not last for long. The Valkyries turned things around during the second quarter with a 22-1 run that enabled them to lead with 49-35 at the halftime mark. By the fourth quarter, the LA Sparks could not recuperate despite Dearica Hamby and Odyssey Sims delivering their “A” game. Golden State led by 22 points as the LA Sparks struggled with 19 turnovers.
It is important to note the Golden State achieved their victory with the skillset and help of their two newest additions to the team, Carla Leite and Janelle Salaun.
Standout players –
LA Sparks
- Odyssey Sims: 13 points.
- Dearica Hamby: 25 points, 6 rebounds.
Golden State Valkyries
- Veronica Burton: 12 points, 5 steals.
- Janelle Salaün: 18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 three-pointers.
- Carla Leite: 19 points on 7-for-10 shooting, 3 assists
- Kayla Thornton: 14 points, 10 rebounds
