LOS ANGELES — The Sparks were hot early but blew an 18-point lead in a disappointing 85-80 loss to the Phoenix Mercury at Crypto.com Arena Sunday.
Sparks guard Odyssey Sims scored 14 of her game-high 32 points in the first quarter.
However, it was a tale of two halves for the Sparks, who dropped to 2-6 overall, with their losing skid extending to three games.
“We keep saying the same things over and over,” Sims said. “We’re kind of beating a dead horse at this point but it’s going to be less talking about it and more doing it. Applying it starts in practice and transition on the court. At some point, we’ve got to see some improvement and we’ve got to be better all around.”
The Sparks shot 36.6% in the game (26 for 71), including 22.9% from beyond the arc (8 for 35). The Sparks missed all 15 of their 3-point attempts in the second half.
“This game came down to us not shooting great,” Sparks coach Lynne Roberts said after the game.
The Sparks led 50-37 at halftime but were outscored by a 24-9 margin in the third and trailed 61-59 heading into the fourth quarter.
“We know the third quarter has been our struggle right now,” Sims continued. “So we’re going to continue to approach every game like we’ve been approaching game 1, continue to figure out what we can do. There’s not anything specifically, we just have to figure it out. Hopefully, sooner than later.”
Sims’ and-one put the Sparks back up 62-61 with 9:41 left in the fourth. Sims made two free throws to the Sparks back up 67-65 with 7:23 remaining.
“She’s been incredible,” said Sparks guard Kelsey Plum when asked about Sims’ impact this season. “She’s one of the fiercest competitors in the league. She plays both side of the ball.”
Satou Sabally’s 3-pointer gave Phoenix a 70-67 lead with 6:24 left in the fourth.
Dearica Hamby’s and-one tied the game at 74 with 4:11 to go.
Back-to-back 3-pointers by Sabally and rookie guard Monique Akoa Makani gave…
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