Sparks:

The Sparks enter the final stretch of the regular season with nine games remaining, locked into an extremely competitive playoff race. Kelsey Plum’s 11-foot bank shot at the buzzer lifted Los Angeles to an 81-80 win over the Wings on Wednesday, and now the Sparks stand just one game behind the Golden State Valkyries and Indiana Fever for the seventh seed.

The Sparks’ sharp shooting, ball movement and ability to score in the paint have been key to their success in the second half of the season. With multiple games recently decided in the final minutes, Los Angeles has shown composure in high-pressure situations, a quality that will be vital as the playoff race intensifies. The Sparks are 7-0 in their last seven games decided by four points or fewer.

Los Angeles ranks second in the WNBA in PPG, FG% and 3PT% this season.

Mercury:

The Mercury enter this matchup sitting in fourth with a 22-14 record and winners of six of their past nine contests. Phoenix is coming off an 81-72 win over the Valkyries, with five players scoring in double figures. Rookie guard Monique Akoa Makani led the way with 18 points, showcasing Phoenix’s balanced offensive attack.

This season, the Mercury have leaned on their All-Star frontcourt to set the tone on both ends, with each averaging at least 16 points per game.

The History: Sparks vs. Mercury

Los Angeles and Phoenix, both founding WNBA franchises, have built a long history of matchups that spans nearly three decades. The organizations have won three championships apiece. In their 105 all-time meetings, Los Angeles has won 60 times (57.1%). Los Angeles remains the league’s all-time win leader with 547, while Phoenix ranks fourth with 490. 

This season, the Mercury have won the first two matchups, both competitive affairs. A key battle will happen in the paint, as the Sparks lead the league in paint scoring, while Phoenix allows the second-fewest paint points per game.

Players to Watch:

Sparks:

Kelsey Plum continues to be the Sparks’ leading scorer and assister, averaging 20.4 points and 5.9 assists per game. The lefty leads the league by far in games of 20+ PTS and 5+ AST with 18 (Skylar Diggins is next with 10). 

Dearica Hamby has been one of the WNBA’s most consistent and well-rounded players this summer, just one of two this season in the league’s Top 10 in PPG, RPG, SPG and FG%. The other is MVP candidate Napheesa Collier.

Mercury:

Alyssa Thomas is nearly averaging a triple-double at 16.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG, and 9.2 APG and is the only WNBA player averaging at least 15 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Thomas tied her own league record with her sixth triple-double of the season in Phoenix’s most recent win.

Satou Sabally has been Phoenix’s top scorer and a consistent two-way presence, averaging 16.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 2.5 APG.