Fever nip Sparks

The Fever needed the win, and not simply because of the tightening playoff race. The Sparks had owned them all season: three meetings, three losses, each a veritable test they could not pass. The other day, however, they finally managed to flip the script - and at Crypto.com Arena to boot. By prevailing 76-75 on the road, they did more than keep their place in league standings; they proved they had the mettle to overcome physical and mental adversity against tough opposition.

- ANTHONY L. CUAYCONG

As expected, All-Star Aliyah Boston led the charge; her 22 points and 11 rebounds underscored her steadiness, but most notable were her six steals — culminating in the decisive swipe in the dying seconds — that gave the Fever their breakthrough. The Sparks still had a chance to sweep the series, but her final act made sure the outcome was theirs to celebrate. Against competition that had underscored their struggles amid a cacophony of injuries, she imposed herself on both ends, and her teammates followed.