Sparks Edge Mystics 88-82: Ogwumike and Burrell Lead Late Surge
In a thrilling WNBA matchup on Friday night, the Los Angeles Sparks defeated the Washington Mystics 88-82 at Crypto.com Arena. The game was tightly contested, with the teams tied at the end of the first quarter and remaining evenly matched throughout. However, a decisive 13-2 run in the fourth quarter, sparked by Rae Burrell’s clutch shooting, propelled the Sparks to victory.
Nneka Ogwumike led all scorers with 24 points, showcasing her veteran leadership and offensive prowess. Rae Burrell provided a crucial spark off the bench, scoring 12 of her 15 points in the final quarter. Her 3-pointer with 2:54 left, followed by a transition layup after a Cameron Brink block, gave the Sparks an 85-78 lead that they never relinquished. Lauren Betts also contributed, adding a bucket during the run, while Burrell sealed the game with five more points.
On the Mystics’ side, Shakira Austin recorded her 15th double-double of the season with 17 points and 11 rebounds, also reaching a major milestone by grabbing her 1,000th career rebound. Despite her efforts and a strong team performance, Washington couldn’t overcome the Sparks’ late surge.
The victory highlights the Sparks’ resilience and depth, with key contributions from both starters and bench players. As the season progresses, Los Angeles will look to build on this momentum, while the Mystics will aim to bounce back and tighten their execution in close games.
Shimanta Das 
