LOS ANGELES — The Sparks will play the third of a six-game span in Commissioner’s Cup play at home against the Golden State Valkyries on Monday.
The Sparks, 3-6 overall and 1-1 in Commissioner’s Cup play, will have an opportunity to go on their first winning streak of the season after Friday’s 93-79 victory at Dallas.
“I think now is the time that we can really string together multiple wins,” said Sparks guard Odyssey Sims, who scored 19 points against Dallas. “I think this is our time to go on a little win streak and we can do it.”
The win, which ended the team’s three-game losing streak, came after the Sparks were able to practice three consecutive days prior to the contest.
“I know three days doesn’t seem like a lot but for us it felt like Christmas,” Sparks coach Lynne Roberts said.
All five starters for the Sparks scored in double figures, including forward Rickea Jackson (10 points), who returned to action after missing two games while taking personal time away from the team.
“We’re here to win,” Jackson said. “Personal time is needed. Concussion, lingering things, just a lot of things that go into things like that, but just happy to be back with my team.
“Personal time is personal time so it’s like if my head don’t feel right, I need personal time.”
The Sparks are 2-1 with Jackson in the starting lineup.
Rickea Jackson explains why she took personal time away from the Los Angeles Sparks.
Jackson played in Tuesday’s practice. pic.twitter.com/9lo2y0zQMB
— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) June 3, 2025
Meanwhile, Azurá Stevens is off to the best start in her eighth season in the WNBA. The 6-foot-6 forward/center is averaging a career-high 14.6 points and 8.9 rebounds on 51.1% shooting from the field and 40% from beyond the arc.
Stevens said a personal goal is to become an All-Star for the first time since she was selected sixth overall by Dallas in the 2018 draft.
“It’s always goal but I’m not focused on personal stuff,” Stevens said. “I just want to win and do whatever it takes to win.”
Against the Wings, Stevens became the first player in WNBA history with a least 16 points, three blocks, two steals, that made at least four 3-pointers while shooting at least 70% overall from field. She finished with a team-high 21 points, six rebounds, three assists, three blocked shots, and two steals, while draining a career-high five 3-pointers and shooting 72.7% from the field.
“Just being consistent,” Stevens said. “That’s something that I’m really trying to work on is just being consistent in all areas for this team and being that steady presence for this team, each game and each practice.”
Azurá Stevens on getting up extra shots, bonding with teammates and supporting Rickea Jackson when she took personal time away from the Los Angeles Sparks.
Stevens and Jackson practiced with the team’s starters, including during late game scenarios in Wednesday’s practice. pic.twitter.com/wDqK8QDz7p
— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) June 5, 2025
The Sparks are 1-1 against expansion Golden State this season. They won the season opener 84-67 in San Francisco on May 16. They lost 82-73 at home on May 23. A Sparks victory would vault them over Golden State in the league standings after 10 games.
Golden State is coming off a 95-68 blowout win at home Friday over the Las Vegas Aces. Golden State had three players finish with double-doubles. Forward Kayla Thornton had a season-high 22 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Veronica Burton had 14 points and 12 assists. Forward Monique Billings had 14 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.
GOLDEN STATE (3-5) AT SPARKS (3-6)
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Where: Crypto.com Arena
TV: Spectrum SportsNet
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