The Los Angeles Sparks welcomed the Minnesota Lynx to Crypto.com Arena, each team looking for their second win. One team secured it; the other did not.
In what proved to be a fast paced hard fought game, Minnesota played a better first half than their previous game, although the second quarter swung to the Sparks. But both teams played hard, and with the second half belonging to the Lynx, they now sit at 2 – 0 with the Sparks at 1 – 1.
Neither Kelsey Plum nor Napheesa Collier came close to their opening night shooting prowess, but Plum scored 18 and Collier 23, both respectable. Collier led the way for Minnesota, and Azurá Stevens scored 21 for Los Angeles. Alanna Smith returned in limited minutes to the Lynx lineup and scored 18 points in 17 minutes.
Courtney Williams had a solid game of 13 points for Minnesota, as did Jessica Shepard who scored 11 off the bench. Dearica Hamby scored 20 for the Sparks. The Minnesota bench scored 21 and the Sparks only 6, all from rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker.
Lynx Pulled Away In The Fourth Quarter Versus L.A.
The game was close throughout the first three quarters, with the Lynx pulling ahead by 8, 70 – 62. The Sparks got as close as five points early in the fourth quarter, but a key three point shot and a free throw from Karlie Samuelson, followed by a three from Alanna Smith gave the Lynx an 82 – 70 lead. From there, the Sparks never got closer than 11 points.
Los Angeles is still without Cameron Brink and Rae Burrell, and Rickea Jackson suffered a collision late in the third quarter, finishing the game sitting on the bench. Stevens stepped up in this game as did Hamby, but the Sparks need their full squad. Minnesota is still without Kayla McBride.
back-to-back dubs. ✅ pic.twitter.com/Rg0I8QkZMr
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) May 19, 2025
Plum is very much the leader of the team. After playing the entire 40 minutes versus Golden State, coach Lynne Roberts subbed in Sarah Ashlee Barker to help out. Barker didn’t make a big impact on offense but contributed to the defense with some much needed energy.
When healthy, the Sparks should have a better outing this season than last. Minnesota is starting to get its mojo, and when McBride returns, the Lynx will have their starting five from last season, and be able to sub in and out with more talent. Minnesota is just getting started.
What’s Next For The Lynx and Sparks?
The Sparks hit the road for a game in Phoenix on May 21. The Lynx return home on that same day for their home opener against the Dallas Wings, which will be a homecoming of sorts for Paige Bueckers, who hails from Hopkins, Minnesota. It should be close to a packed house, and having lost their opener to Minnesota, Dallas and Paige will be looking for some payback.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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