​After delivering one of their strongest offensive showings of the season on Wednesday against the Indiana Fever, the Los Angeles Sparks proved it wasn’t a fluke. With another balanced scoring effort, a season-high 32 assists, and a dominant fourth quarter, they defeated the Chicago Sky 102-87 on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. All five starters reached double figures as Los Angeles eclipsed 100 points for the second consecutive game, adding another crucial win before hitting the road.
First Quarter
The Sparks opened with high energy. Dearica Hamby started the scoring with an and-one finish, and Los Angeles immediately pushed the pace. The ball moved quickly, creating open looks, while Erica Wheeler knocked down a triple to keep the offense momentum going. Chicago answered right back behind Kamilla Cardoso, who asserted herself in the paint from the opening minutes. Spark standout Gabriela Jaquez, a native and Sky rookie, provided a spark off the bench with nine first-quarter points, helping keep the game competitive in what turned into an offensive showdown. Despite strong shooting, Los Angeles trailed 29-28 after the first period.
Second Quarter
The Sparks found another gear to begin the second. Ariel Atkins opened the frame with a three and appeared confident from the perimeter. Wheeler continued to run the offense, both setting up teammates and carving out her own scoring chances. The defense began to make a tangible impact. Atkins produced a steal that led directly to points, and the trio of Atkins, Wheeler, and Nneka Ogwumike helped Los Angeles pull ahead before halftime. By the break, the Sparks had built a 53-48 lead thanks to efficient ball movement and unselfish play. The team closed the half with a season-best 32 assists, a stat head coach Lynne Roberts highlighted as a priority all season. “It’s been emphasized all year,” Roberts said. “It’s good that we’re starting to figure it out. The ball’s moving, everybody’s involved, and it’s becoming about getting the win instead of one person getting the bucket. That’s the mentality of great teams.”
Third Quarter
Chicago was not ready to fold. The Sky stayed within striking distance for much of the third, but whenever they gained momentum, the Sparks answered. Atkins attacked the basket for a difficult finish before Rae Burrell buried a step-back three. Early fouls slowed the pace, yet Los Angeles continued to make winning plays on the defensive end. Atkins again swiped a ball, and with contributions from every starter, the Sparks maintained their lead. The Sky narrowed the gap late in the quarter, but Los Angeles still held a 73-70 edge heading into the final period.
Fourth Quarter
The Sparks asserted themselves decisively in the fourth, leaving little doubt about the outcome. The ball moved crisply, shots fell, and the defense clamped down on Chicago’s attack, ensuring the lead wouldn’t shrink. The balanced scoring was on full display as every starter contributed to the extended push, and Los Angeles pulled away to seal a 102-87 victory at home, cementing back-to-back 100-point performances and a strong moment before they embark on a road trip.