Sparks Edge Mystics Behind Plum’s Fourth-Quarter Surge

Dearica Hamby scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Kelsey Plum poured in 14 of her 18 points in the fourth quarter as the Los Angeles Sparks held off the Washington Mystics, 81-78, on Tuesday night.

By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer

Dearica Hamby scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Kelsey Plum poured in 14 of her 18 points in the fourth quarter as the Los Angeles Sparks held off the Washington Mystics, 81-78, on Tuesday night.

Rickea Jackson added 16 points for the Sparks (18-20), who began the night 2 1/2 games behind Golden State for the final WNBA playoff spot. Azurá Stevens also controlled the boards with 12 rebounds.

Plum Takes Over Late

Washington had clawed back from a sluggish start, pulling within 65-63 on a Jade Melbourne basket with 4:22 remaining. That’s when Plum took over.

The guard scored eight straight points for L.A.—two 3-pointers and a pair of free throws—to restore momentum. Layups from Rae Burrell and Hamby stretched the lead to 77-67 with just under two minutes to play.

Hamby sealed the win with a driving layup at the 19.7-second mark after the Mystics had cut the deficit to five.

Mystics Battle After Slow Start

The Mystics (16-25) looked sluggish early, still reeling from a 37-point loss the previous night that officially eliminated them from playoff contention. They missed their first eight shots as the Sparks raced out to a 12-0 lead. Stefanie Dolson finally ended the drought with a 3-pointer, but Los Angeles held a 22-11 advantage after one quarter.

Washington responded with a strong second quarter, tying the game at 22 before the Sparks surged again to take a 40-31 halftime lead.

The Sparks pushed ahead by as many as 14 in the third, but the Mystics rallied again. Dolson knocked down another 3-pointer early in the fourth to give Washington its only lead at 56-55. From there, however, Plum and the Sparks closed the door.

Standout Performances

Rookie Kiki Iriafen powered the Mystics with 22 points and 13 rebounds, notching her 15th double-double of the season. Dolson finished with 10 points, Sonia Citro added 12, and Shakira Austin scored 11.

For the Sparks, Hamby’s all-around effort and Plum’s clutch shooting led the way, while Jackson provided steady scoring.

A Notable Night Courtside

Among those in attendance was former NBA star Pau Gasol, seated courtside with his daughter, drawing cheers from the Los Angeles crowd.