Nneka Ogwumike

The Los Angeles Sparks finally found the answer they had been chasing, and it came from both ends of the floor. Nneka Ogwumike and Dearica Hamby powered an 89-72 win over the Portland Fire on Sunday, ending Los Angeles’ three-game losing streak. Ogwumike finished with 20 points and a season-high 17 rebounds for her third straight double-double and fifth of the season. Hamby added 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Kelsey Plum contributed 16 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals for the Sparks. Third Quarter Turned The Game Los Angeles pulled away in a third quarter that exposed Portland’s struggles. The Fire committed nine turnovers in the game, including six that were forced by Sparks steals, and shot just 5-of-14 in the period as they were outscored 23-12. Plum scored nine points in the quarter and Hamby added seven, helping the Sparks take a 64-55 lead into the fourth. A Plum steal and fast-break feed to Hamby later capped an 11-2 run and pushed the margin to 18 points with 6:07 left. The win also gave Los Angeles a notable defensive mark. The Sparks entered allowing 93 points per game, the most in the WNBA, but held Portland to their fewest points of the season. Portland’s Shooting Woes Deepened Portland could not find its outside shot, tying a season low with three 3-pointers and finishing at a season-worst 10.7% from behind the arc. Megan Gustafson led the Fire with 16 points and a season-high 12 rebounds, her first double-double since 2023. Carla Leite and Emily Engstler added 10 points apiece for Portland, which has now lost four of its last five games and three straight overall. The Fire were also limited by the turnover battle, which kept them from building any momentum against Los Angeles’ pressure. Rae Burrell chipped in 10 points for the Sparks, who improved to 5-6. For Portland, the loss dropped the club to 6-7 heading into a busy stretch on the schedule. Up Next Atlanta visits Chicago on Tuesday, while Connecticut travels to face the Tempo on Wednesday. Read more at: www.espn.com

Sparks End Slide With Big Frontcourt Night, Hand Fire A Season-High Blow