LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Sparks turned in another strong defensive performance, defeating the Golden State Valkyries 81-66 at Crypto.com Arena for their second win over the expansion franchise this season.
Kelsey Plum and Julie Vanloo led the Sparks with 14 points apiece. Plum shot 4-of-10 from the field, while Vanloo connected on 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. Despite shooting just 8-of-28 from three-point range as a team, Los Angeles found plenty of offense at the free-throw line.
The Valkyries repeatedly sent the Sparks to the stripe, where Los Angeles converted 29 of 37 attempts.
Golden State was led by Cecilia Zandalasini, who scored 19 points, while Monique Billings added 10 points and a season-high 13 rebounds.
The Sparks were without Dearica Hamby, who continues to recover from a bruised left hip suffered on May 25 against Chicago. The veteran forward is expected to return within two weeks.
As It Stands…
The victory was the second straight for the 6th-place Sparks, who improved to 6-4 on the season. The Valkyries remained winless through their first nine games as they continue their search for the franchise’s first victory.
