The Fire stifled by the Sparks defense

The Sparks were keen to redeem themselves after having bitten the dust during their three previous outings. At home against Portland, Los Angeles therefore managed to rectify the situation by gradually taking the upper hand, thanks to the application in defense, in the third quarter in particular, and the contribution of the interior tandem Hamby-Ogwumike, respectively at 22 points and 12 rebounds and 20 points and 17 rebounds This is the third defeat in a row for the Fire who will not have gone the distance, with a new complicated match for Carla Leite (10 points at 4/13 shooting, 4 rebounds, 4 assists. decisive).

Los Angeles quickly took a 10-2 lead to take control of the match, including 3-pointers from Nneka Ogwumike and Erica Wheeler to add to the lead (17-11). Portland held on, finishing the first act better thanks to Sarah Ashlee Barker’s 2+1, Frieda Buhner’s 3-pointer and Katie Samuelson’s 4/4 throws (24-21). The 12-3 aligned in the second quarter and the successful end of the half from Carla Leite, passing and finishing, allowed the Fire to move to +2 at the break (41-43).

Portland implodes after the break

Los Angeles then regained control by imposing its effort on defense after returning from the locker room. The result was clear, with nine interceptions in ten minutes, fast play and unchallenged domination! There was a 9-0 from the start concluded by two baskets including a 2+1 from Dearica Hamby, a valuable relay from Kelsey Plum with 7 points then a new 9-0 to attack the last act, with a 3-point from Kate Martin and the Plum-Hamby pair again in charge (75-57).

Nneka Ogwumike finished the job with two new baskets and a final 3-pointer, an area in which the Fire also suffered throughout the match, finishing the game at 3/28 in the exercise. On arrival, Los Angeles was able to reassure itself with a 17-point success (89-72) and a renewed confidence before tackling a three-game road trip which will begin in Seattle on Wednesday.

Portland in turn finds itself in a delicate situation with three losses in a row before tackling two delicate matches at home, against Las Vegas on Thursday then Dallas on Saturday.