A post by Dearica Hamby highlights the Los Angeles Sparks’ approach to their current road trip, originally featured on ClutchPoints.
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Sparks entered the All-Star break as one of the hottest teams in the WNBA, winning 10 of their last 14 games. However, their momentum slowed after a 105-97 loss to the New York Liberty on Tuesday. Now on a mini road trip, the Sparks remain focused on making the playoffs, with Dearica Hamby outlining the team’s determined mindset as they push toward the postseason.
“Keep the momentum going — we’ve won the last 12 games. One loss won’t break us,” Hamby said. “We did many things well, but we didn’t play our best basketball. Still, we need to win the three crucial upcoming games and move forward from there.”
The Sparks’ upcoming road trip includes two games against the Dallas Wings on Friday and Sunday, followed by a home game against the Wings on Wednesday, August 20. These three games are against teams with losing records, and if the Sparks are serious about securing a playoff spot, as Hamby emphasized, they must win all three.
Currently, the Sparks hold the eighth and final playoff seed with a 15-17 record, just behind the Seattle Storm. They also have favorable tiebreakers against Seattle, with another head-to-head game left before the regular season concludes.
Dearica Hamby has been a consistent force for the Sparks this season. Hamby scored the game-winning basket in the final seconds during their recent victory over the Storm last Sunday.
She has appeared in all 32 games, averaging over 31 minutes per game. Hamby is putting up career-best numbers this season, including 17.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, with shooting percentages of 56.9% from the field, 27.3% from three, and 61.1% from the free-throw line.
Along with Kelsey Plum, Hamby leads the Sparks this season. Following their loss to the Liberty, coach Lynn Roberts expressed strong confidence in both players to step up in the critical final stretch.
“These two are among the best players in the league, so I’m not worried about them,” Roberts said. “I believe they’ll lead and perform like true stars and All-Stars do. I have no doubt they’re ready to fight hard — that’s what leadership looks like, and that’s the responsibility that comes with being the best players.”
Fan Take: For WNBA fans, this Sparks run is a testament to resilience and determination, showing how key players like Hamby and Plum can rally a team despite setbacks. This push for the playoffs not only heightens excitement but also underlines the growing competitiveness in the league, which is great for the sport’s visibility and future.
