Los Angeles, CA – The Crypto.com Arena was electric on Sunday, July 13, 2025, as the Los Angeles Sparks delivered a resounding statement, defeating the Connecticut Sun 92-88 in a captivating WNBA showdown. This wasn’t just any victory; it was a watershed moment for the Sparks, as they finally broke a grueling 13-game losing streak against the formidable Sun, marking their first triumph over Connecticut since August 28, 2020. The air was thick with anticipation, and the game itself was a testament to the evolving landscape of the WNBA.
From the opening tip, both teams came out firing, trading blows in a relentless display of athleticism and skill. The Connecticut Sun, known for their unwavering consistency and disciplined play, started strong, with rookie sensation Saniya Rivers immediately making her presence felt. Rivers, who would go on to achieve a career-high 20 points, showcased her burgeoning talent, while veteran Bria Hartley chipped in, proving why she’s a crucial piece of the Sun’s offensive puzzle. Hartley, in fact, recorded a season-high 25 points, keeping Connecticut firmly in the contest.
However, the Los Angeles Sparks were determined to rewrite their narrative against the Sun. Led by a resurgent Kelsey Plum, who found her rhythm in the second half to pour in 18 of her 23 points, the Sparks demonstrated a newfound resilience. Plum’s offensive brilliance was complemented by a dominant performance from Azurá Stevens, who notched a vital 21 points and 11 rebounds, securing a crucial double-double that anchored the Sparks’ effort on both ends of the court. Stevens’ ability to impact the game with her scoring and rebounding was a major factor in tilting the scales in Los Angeles’ favor.
The contest was a seesaw affair, with neither team willing to concede an inch. Rickea Jackson, another key player for the Sparks, consistently delivered timely buckets, contributing 19 points with her aggressive drives and clutch finishes. Her relentless attack kept the Sun’s defense on its heels, while Dearica Hamby’s 17 points provided additional offensive firepower, showcasing the depth of the Sparks’ scoring talent.
As the game progressed into the critical fourth quarter, the tension was palpable. The Sun, despite their consistent shooting (50% from the field), struggled to contain the Sparks on the boards, as Los Angeles capitalized on 15 offensive rebounds to generate crucial second-chance points. This hustle play and relentless pursuit of extra possessions proved to be a defining characteristic of the Sparks’ victory. Every basket was met with roaring cheers from the home crowd, who sensed that history was about to be made.
In the end, it was the collective effort and unwavering determination of the Los Angeles Sparks that shone brightest. They weathered every Sun run, answered every challenge, and ultimately, delivered a performance that suggests a significant shift in their fortunes. This wasn’t merely a win; it was a statement. For the Connecticut Sun, it’s a tough loss that highlights areas for improvement, particularly in closing out tight games and containing aggressive offensive units.
Looking ahead, the Sparks will aim to build on this monumental victory as they host the Washington Mystics, while the Sun will look to rebound as they kick off a six-game home stand against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. This thrilling WNBA Sparks vs Sun matchup will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in the 2025 WNBA season, a testament to the growing competitiveness and excitement of women’s professional basketball.
