What happened: Cameron Brink blocked a shot and Rae Burrell converted the ensuing fast-break finish for Los Angeles, part of a fourth-quarter push that put the Sparks ahead of Washington. Los Angeles led 78-76 in the closing minutes.
Why it matters: The stretch matters for playoff positioning: Washington enters at 25-15 on a two-game winning streak, while Los Angeles sits at 14-26 and had been on a one-game skid before the run. Brink and Burrell, paired again in the fourth, have been a recurring combination for the Sparks this season.
By the numbers: Washington is 25-15 this season (last five: W-W-L-W-W) and beat Los Angeles 80-70 in their last meeting on Aug. 15. Los Angeles is 14-26 (last five: L-W-L-L-L), after winning the teams' earlier matchup 92-87 on May 29.
What to watch: Washington and Los Angeles play out the remaining minutes of the fourth quarter with the outcome still undecided.