Los Angeles, CA— Nneka Ogwumike delivered another outstanding all-around performance Wednesday night, leading the Los Angeles Sparks to a 106-92 victory over the Indiana Fever at Crypto.com Arena and helping end the team’s three-game losing streak.
Ogwumike finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, setting the tone offensively as Los Angeles produced one of its highest-scoring performances of the season.
The victory came on the same night Indiana welcomed back rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, who returned to the lineup after missing two games with a back injury. Clark was limited to nine points in 16 minutes as the Fever managed her workload in her first game back.
Los Angeles showcased balanced scoring throughout the night despite continuing to play without two key contributors. Rae Burrell provided a major offensive spark with 22 points, while Dearica Hamby added 21 points and nine rebounds. Erica Wheeler and Ariel Atkins each contributed 12 points, helping the Sparks improve to 9-11 on the season.
The Sparks never allowed Indiana to establish an offensive rhythm after halftime.
Los Angeles opened the third quarter with a decisive 7-2 run, highlighted by an Ariel Atkins steal that led to a fast-break layup, extending the advantage to 55-43. The momentum continued throughout the period as the Sparks steadily built their lead before taking an 82-71 cushion into the fourth quarter.
Indiana, now 12-9, was led by veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell, who poured in a game-high 29 points while keeping the Fever within striking distance for much of the contest.
Lexie Hull added 14 points, Damiris Dantas contributed 12, and Tyasha Harris chipped in 10.
The Fever were also without All-Star forward Aliyah Boston, who missed the game with a right leg injury, leaving Indiana without one of its top interior players.
Los Angeles earned the victory despite continuing to miss leading scorer Kelsey Plum, who remains sidelined with a lower left leg injury, and forward Cameron Brink, who is recovering from a left ankle injury.
The Sparks’ efficient offense and balanced attack proved too much for Indiana, as Los Angeles controlled the pace and consistently answered every Fever rally to secure the much-needed win.
Up Next:
The Fever continue their road trip Thursday night with a matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, while the Sparks remain at home Friday night to host the Chicago Sky.
