Hamby's 27-15 Powers Sparks Past Mercury in Phoenix Shootout

Dearica Hamby dominated the paint with 27 points and 15 rebounds as the Los Angeles Sparks knocked off the Phoenix Mercury 97-88 in a high-scoring affair. Kelsey Plum added 16 points and 7 assists in the backcourt to help Los Angeles control the game wire-to-wire after seizing the lead in the opening quarter.

The decisive moment

The Sparks set the tone early and never let go. Los Angeles took the lead for good with 15.2 seconds remaining in the first quarter and spent the rest of the night absorbing every Phoenix push, eventually pulling away for a 97-88 win at Footprint Center.

By the numbers

Dearica Hamby (LA): 27 PTS, 15 REB, 3 AST
Kelsey Plum (LA): 16 PTS, 7 AST
Alyssa Thomas (PHX): 23 PTS, 7 REB, 7 AST
Kahleah Copper (PHX): 22 PTS, 5 REB
Combined points: 185 (shootout territory)
Final margin: 9 points

Hamby's double-double was the engine of the win, while Plum orchestrated the offense and kept Phoenix's defense honest on the perimeter.

What it means

For Los Angeles, this is the kind of road win that signals real depth, especially with Brionna Jones (knee), Dana Evans (leg), and Karlie Samuelson (foot) all sidelined. The Sparks proved they can win a track meet without a full rotation, leaning on Hamby's interior dominance and Plum's pace control. Phoenix, despite balanced production from Thomas and Copper, never solved the rebounding battle and now faces questions about its frontcourt resistance.

What to watch next

Phoenix will need a sharper defensive identity before its next outing, particularly on the glass where Hamby's 15 boards dictated possession. For the Sparks, the next test is whether Hamby and Plum can sustain this two-way chemistry as the 2026 WNBA Regular Season unfolds.