Whew! Sparks ride out a second close win over the Storm

Hamby scores on a driving layup with 5.6 seconds left as L.A. boosts playoff hopes.

- BY IRA GORAWARA

LUKE HALES Getty Images AFTER a slow start, L.A.'s Kelsey Plum (10) finished with 20 points, seven assists and six rebounds Sunday.

Less than 10 days ago, the Seattle Storm and the Sparks battled deep into a second overtime — the first of the 2025 WNBA seasonwringing every drop of drama out of Climate Pledge Arena. On Sunday night, the same stakes were at play as the teams tried to strengthen their playoff chances.

The intensity didn't let up till the final horn. With 5.6 seconds left, Dearica Hamby roared into the paint and scored on a driving layup to put the Sparks ahead for good. After the Storm missed their final chance to win, pandemonium spilled onto the floor - Sparks players leaping into one another's arms, fans hollering over the hardwood, chanting "Hamby" in celebration of the Sparks' 94-91 victory.

"We're playing for that kind of game," said guard Julie Allemand, who had eight assists. "It's exciting to play that kind of game. At the end, when you make the great shot that we need, it's a great feeling."