Sparks Shine on L.A. Night with Statement Win Over Chicago Sky
– By Maliah Jackson
LOS ANGELES — A sold-out celebration of women’s basketball turned into a memorable night for the Los Angeles Sparks as they defeated the Chicago Sky, 102-87, before 11,827 fans at Crypto.com Arena on July 10 during the team’s special “L.A. Night” promotion.
The evening attracted a star-
studded crowd, highlighted by the attendance of former Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, whose courtside appearance drew loud applause from the audience.
At halftime, Compton rapper Chef Boy, known for his viral hit “Gang Gang,” energized the crowd with a performance alongside the Sparks cheerleaders and mascot Sparky.
National recording artist Jesse Campbell, a native of Maywood, Illinois, opened the evening with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, reminding fans why his 1995 hit “When U Cry I Cry” remains a signature performance.
On the court, veteran forward Nneka Ogwumike once again demonstrated why she remains one of the WNBA’s all-time greats. The former league MVP finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, recording another double-double while reaching a remarkable career milestone—3,000 career field goals, joining WNBA legends Diana Taurasi and Tina Charles in elite company
The Sparks delivered one of their most balanced offensive performances of the season despite playing without injured stars Kelsey Plum and Cameron Brink. Dearica Hamby, Rae Burrell, and Ariel Atkins each added 17 points, while veteran point guard Erica Wheeler contributed 15 points and eight assists.
Every Los Angeles starter scored in double figures.
Team statistics underscored the Sparks’ efficient play. Los Angeles shot 51% from the field and connected on 14 of 31 three-point attempts (45%), while limiting Chicago to 6-of-25 shooting from beyond the arc.
The balanced attack and timely defense allowed the Sparks to pull away in the fourth quarter after a competitive first half.
Chicago was led by Kamilla Cardoso, Gabriela Jaquez, and Sydney Taylor, who each scored 15 points, but the Sky were unable to match the Sparks’ offensive depth.
The combination of a near-capacity crowd, celebrity guests, musical entertainment and a milestone performance from Ogwumike made L.A. Night one of the season’s signature events, highlighting both the growing popularity of the WNBA and the continued resurgence of basketball in Los Angeles.
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