​The Los Angeles Sparks defeated the Chicago Sky 102-87 on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, riding strong performances to secure the win in front of a 11,287-strong crowd for the WNBA matchup. Former Tennessee Lady Vol Rae Burrell got the starting nod for the Sparks and logged 33 minutes of playing time, contributing 17 points on a 6-for-13 shooting night from the floor, including 4-for-6 from beyond the arc and 1-for-3 at the free-throw line. In addition to her scoring, Burrell recorded one rebound, four assists, and two blocks in the contest.
Leading all scorers was Los Angeles forward Nneka Ogwumike, who poured in 25 points to pace the Sparks. Chicago, however, did manage to out-rebound Los Angeles, pulling down 36 boards to the Sparks’ 32, a statistic that highlighted some of the game’s competitive dynamics. The Sparks, though, maintained their edge throughout, with their largest lead reaching 15 points at various stretches.
Burrell’s basketball journey includes a substantial tenure with Tennessee from 2018 through 2022, where she appeared in 110 games and earned 47 starting assignments. During her collegiate career, she averaged 10.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 22.6 minutes per contest. Her impact at Tennessee extended beyond the stat line, as she earned a spot on the 2021-22 USA TODAY Preseason All-America Third Team, a nod that reflected her rising profile in the sport.
The Sparks selected Burrell in the first round of the 2022 WNBA draft as the ninth overall pick, underscoring the high expectations the franchise had for her rookie season and beyond. Her continued development has been a focal point for fans following the Sparks, especially as she has shown the ability to contribute as a scorer from distance and to impact the game with smart decisions in the pick-and-roll and on defense.
Among related notes, Burrell’s performance against the Sky adds to a growing body of highlights that underscore her ability to compete at the professional level. In prior coverage and game-shots, Burrell has demonstrated a knack for scoring in bunches and delivering timely three-point shooting, traits that align with the Sparks’ offensive system and philosophy. The matchup at Crypto.com Arena offered another chapter in Burrell’s pro career, as she asserted herself as a reliable role player capable of contributing meaningful minutes and producing offense.
For Sparks fans, the win reinforced the team’s balance, with Ogwumike’s steady scoring presence complemented by Burrell’s perimeter shooting and multi-faceted contributions. As the season progresses, Burrell’s continued integration into the Sparks’ rotation will be watched closely, particularly to assess how she translates her collegiate and early pro success into sustained impact against top-tier WNBA competition. The broader context of the game also highlighted the ongoing dynamics within the league, where teams like Los Angeles aim to maximize depth and capitalize on home-court advantages to build momentum late in the season.