The Sparks fell to the Mercury, 85-80, in their 2025 Commissioner’s Cup debut and second matchup against Phoenix in the season’s first eight games. 

In her 300th career WNBA game, guard Odyssey Sims established a season scoring high with 32, the most points she’s scored since her rookie season (39 in 2014). Sims shot 10-for-14 from the field, 3-for-5 from beyond the arc and 9-for-10 from the free-throw line. With four assists, the veteran guard also tied Renee Montgomery for 27th all-time in WNBA assists.

Guard Kelsey Plum and forward Dearica Hamby each contributed 15 points, with Hamby also adding eight rebounds. Plum and Sims each recorded a season high in rebounds with six and five, respectively.

In her first start of the season, guard Julie Allemand notched a season-high six assists and matched her season high in rebounds with five. Meanwhile, rookie guard Sarah Ashlee Barker was a game-best +13 in the game, scoring six points and recording two steals.

The Sparks scored a season-high 50 first-half points (previous high was 46), while shooting 48.8% from the field. L.A. limited Phoenix to 37 points in the first half, the lowest total it has allowed an opponent all season. The competitive game featured 13 lead changes and seven ties.

Quotes of the Night:

Kelsey Plum

On Odyssey Sims’ performance:

“It's been phenomenal. [Odyssey Sims has] been incredible. She’s one of the fiercest competitors in the league, plays both sides of the ball, extremely physical, and very strong. She knocks people off their spot, even players that are bigger. I thought she did a great job tonight. [She’s] always one of those people that you go into war with, and you want her on your team.”

Odyssey Sims

On her 32-point performance Sunday: 

“I just played basketball. [I was] a little bit more aggressive. I think the rim was kind of big for me today. It just stayed in that mode… I just wanted to keep my foot on their necks… We still have work to do. The good thing is it’s early, but [there’s] still work to be done. We’re just gonna try to be better every game.”