Sparks fade in OT, losing to expansion Valkyries | College News
With both groups in comparable levels of growth and aiming to construct lasting foundations, the Sparks and the Golden State Valkyries have proven just how slim the hole is between them.
A margin so skinny that in the third assembly of the season, it took extra time to declare a winner.
The Valkyries have confirmed to be a actual downside for the Sparks — offering far more combat than anticipated from a first-year franchise. And for the second straight assembly with the Valkyries, the Sparks couldn’t keep up, losing 89-81 at Crypto.com Arena on Monday.
In the tip, it got here down to fundamentals. After struggling with layups all night time, the Valkyries transformed two in a row — first from Veronica Burton, then from Kayla Thornton — to take an 82–79 lead in extra time. They constructed on that momentum, and with 37 seconds left, Thornton delivered the dagger: a three-pointer that sealed a hard-fought win.
The Sparks (3-7) had their probabilities. The sport remained within attain through three tightly contested quarters, tied 65-65 heading into the fourth. Even after a back-and-forth remaining stretch, the Sparks briefly reclaimed control.
With 37.8 seconds left in regulation, everybody inside Crypto.com Arena knew where the ball was going. The Valkyries (4-5) threw all the pieces they’d at Kelsey Plum, attempting to deny her a shot. But with defenders draped all over her, Plum delivered — drilling a clutch three-pointer over Temi Fágbénlé to give the Sparks a 78–76 lead.
It regarded just like the breakthrough the Sparks needed to finally close it out — but an straightforward layup on the opposite finish tied it with 17.8 seconds remaining. Plum had one other likelihood to win it at the buzzer, but her floater rimmed out, sending the sport to extra time.
Plum would lead the Sparks with 24 factors and seven assists. Dearica Hamby had 20 factors, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Janelle Salaun led Golden State with 21 factors and eight rebounds.
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