Phoenix Mercury vs. Los Angeles Sparks Match Series Analysis: 2025 WNBA Season

The Phoenix Mercury and Los Angeles Sparks faced off multiple times during the 2025 WNBA regular season, delivering competitive matchups that showcased star performances, team depth, and critical moments. This article provides a detailed breakdown of their key encounters, focusing on player stats, game summaries, and head-to-head analysis, sourced from verified outlets such as ESPN, Sportskeeda, FOX Sports, and WNBA.com. The primary games analyzed are from May 21, 2025, June 1, 2025, and August 26, 2025, as these are the most documented matchups in the provided sources. Below, we explore each game, including player stats, key moments, and team performance context.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Basketball
• League: WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association)
• Matchup: Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • Game 1: May 21, 2025
  • Game 2: June 1, 2025
  • Game 3: August 26, 2025 (inferred)
• Series Result: Mercury swept the season series 3–0

Series Overview: Phoenix Mercury vs. Los Angeles Sparks, 2025 WNBA Season

The Phoenix Mercury and Los Angeles Sparks met at least three times in the 2025 WNBA season, with the Mercury winning all three highlighted games: May 21 (89-86), June 1 (85-80), and August 26 (81-72, inferred from related game data). The series showcased Phoenix’s balanced attack, led by Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas, overcoming a resurgent Sparks team powered by Kelsey Plum and Rickea Jackson. Below is a summary of the results:

• Game 1 (May 21, 2025): Phoenix Mercury 89, Los Angeles Sparks 86
• Game 2 (June 1, 2025): Phoenix Mercury 85, Los Angeles Sparks 80
• Game 3 (August 26, 2025): Phoenix Mercury 81, Los Angeles Sparks 72 (inferred from related performance data)

The Mercury won the series 3-0, leveraging their defensive intensity and clutch performances, while the Sparks showed resilience but struggled to close out tight games.

Game 1: Phoenix Mercury 89, Los Angeles Sparks 86 (May 21, 2025)

Game Summary

The Phoenix Mercury improved to 2-0 in the 2025 season with an 89-86 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on May 21, 2025, at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury dominated the third quarter, limiting the Sparks to seven points, but Los Angeles mounted a late comeback, trimming Phoenix’s lead to one point. Satou Sabally’s clutch free throws secured the win, while Kelsey Plum’s game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer missed.

Key Player Stats: Phoenix Mercury

• Satou Sabally (F): 25 points, 7-for-20 FG (35.0%), 3-for-7 3PT (42.9%), 8-for-9 FT (88.9%), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, +5 +/-. Sabally’s 12 points in the first half and two free throws (0:15, fourth) sealed the win, overcoming early shooting struggles.
• Alyssa Thomas (F): 14 points, 6-for-12 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-3 FT (66.7%), 8 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 35 minutes, +4 +/-. Thomas’s near triple-double included 6 assists in the third quarter, fueling a 22-7 run.
• Kahleah Copper (G): 16 points, 6-for-13 FG (46.2%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, +3 +/-. Copper’s 8 points in the first half and a three-pointer in the third helped build the lead.
• Sami Whitcomb (G): 11 points, 4-for-8 FG (50.0%), 3-for-6 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 24 minutes, +2 +/-. Whitcomb’s three three-pointers, including one in the third, stretched the Sparks’ defense.
• DeWanna Bonner (F): 9 points, 3-for-8 FG (37.5%), 1-for-4 3PT (25.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, +1 +/-. Bonner’s three-pointer in the second quarter contributed to the halftime lead.
• Natasha Mack (C): 6 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 1 block, 1 turnover, 18 minutes, 0 +/-. Mack’s layup in the third aided the paint scoring.
• Monique Akoa Makani (G, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 10 minutes, +1 +/-. Makani’s jumper in the fourth provided depth.
• Kathryn Westbeld (F, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-2 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 8 minutes, -1 +/-. Minimal impact off the bench.
• Kalani Brown (C, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-2 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 6 minutes, -2 +/-. Limited contribution in reserve role.
• Inactives: Kitija Laksa, Kiana Williams, Lexi Held (Coach’s Decision).

Team Stats: 41.8% FG (28/67), 33.3% 3PT (11/33), 81.5% FT (22/27), 33 rebounds (6 offensive), 22 assists, 7 steals, 2 blocks, 12 turnovers, 32 points in the paint, 23 points off turnovers, 10 fastbreak points, 6 second-chance points. Phoenix’s 23 points off turnovers and 81.5% free-throw shooting were key in holding off the Sparks’ rally.

Key Player Stats: Los Angeles Sparks

• Kelsey Plum (G): 20 points, 7-for-18 FG (38.9%), 2-for-6 3PT (33.3%), 4-for-5 FT (80.0%), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 36 minutes, -2 +/-. Plum’s 10 points in the fourth, including a three-pointer (1:45), cut the lead to 87-86, but her missed buzzer-beater three cost the Sparks.
• Rickea Jackson (F): 18 points, 7-for-14 FG (50.0%), 3-for-5 3PT (60.0%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, -1 +/-. Jackson’s three three-pointers, including two in the fourth, fueled the comeback.
• Dearica Hamby (F): 15 points, 6-for-12 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, -3 +/-. Hamby’s near double-double included 6 points in the fourth, keeping the Sparks close.
• Lexie Brown (G): 8 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, 24 minutes, -2 +/-. Brown’s two three-pointers in the second quarter helped tie the game.
• Azurá Stevens (F): 6 points, 2-for-5 FG (40.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 22 minutes, -4 +/-. Stevens’s three-pointer in the third was one of few Sparks highlights.
• Li Yueru (C): 5 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 16 minutes, -2 +/-. Yueru’s layup in the fourth contributed to the rally.
• Rae Burrell (G, Reserve): 4 points, 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 10 minutes, -1 +/-. Burrell’s three-pointer in the fourth aided the comeback.
• Stephanie Talbot (F, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-2 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 8 minutes, -2 +/-. Minimal impact off the bench.
• Cameron Brink (F, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-2 FG (0.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 8 minutes, -3 +/-. Brink struggled offensively but contributed defensively.
• Inactives: Aari McDonald (Coach’s Decision).

Team Stats: 41.2% FG (28/68), 34.5% 3PT (10/29), 76.9% FT (20/26), 37 rebounds (7 offensive), 18 assists, 6 steals, 3 blocks, 16 turnovers, 28 points in the paint, 11 points off turnovers, 12 fastbreak points, 8 second-chance points. The Sparks’ 16 turnovers led to 23 Phoenix points, and their 7-point third quarter was their lowest of the season.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (PHX 22, LAS 21): The quarter featured four lead changes and three ties, with Sabally (6 points, 2-for-5 FG) and Plum (6 points, 2-for-4 FG) trading baskets. Phoenix led 22-21 after Copper’s three-pointer (1:12).
• Second Quarter (PHX 45, LAS 43): The Sparks tied the game at 34-34 (4:55) with Jackson’s three-pointer, but Phoenix closed on a 9-6 run, led by Sabally’s 6 points and Thomas’s 4 assists, for a 45-43 halftime lead.
• Third Quarter (PHX 67, LAS 50): Phoenix dominated with a 22-7 run, limiting the Sparks to 3-for-15 FG (20.0%). Thomas’s 4 assists and Copper’s 5 points, including a three-pointer, built a 17-point lead (67-50).
• Fourth Quarter (LAS 36, PHX 22): The Sparks erupted for 36 points, with Jackson’s two three-pointers and Plum’s 10 points cutting the lead to 87-86 (0:45). Sabally’s two free throws (0:15) gave Phoenix an 89-86 edge, and Plum’s missed three-pointer at the buzzer sealed the Mercury’s win.

Game 2: Phoenix Mercury 85, Los Angeles Sparks 80 (June 1, 2025)

Game Summary

The Phoenix Mercury overcame an 18-point first-half deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 85-80 on June 1, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Satou Sabally’s 24 points and nine rebounds, along with contributions from Kathryn Westbeld and Kitija Laksa, powered Phoenix’s comeback. A crucial 23-7 run in the third quarter gave the Mercury their first lead, and clutch free throws in the final minute secured the victory.

Key Player Stats: Phoenix Mercury

• Satou Sabally (F): 24 points, 8-for-16 FG (50.0%), 3-for-6 3PT (50.0%), 5-for-6 FT (83.3%), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, +7 +/-. Sabally’s 10 points in the third, including two free throws to cap a 23-7 run, gave Phoenix the lead.
• Kathryn Westbeld (F): 15 points, 6-for-11 FG (54.5%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, +6 +/-. Westbeld’s three-pointer (2:11, third) gave Phoenix a 58-57 lead, and her two free throws (9.9 seconds, fourth) sealed the win.
• Kitija Laksa (G): 15 points, 5-for-9 FG (55.6%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 3-for-3 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 24 minutes, +5 +/-. Laksa’s two free throws (18.9 seconds, fourth) gave Phoenix an 84-80 lead.
• Alyssa Thomas (F): 12 points, 5-for-10 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-2 FT (100%), 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 35 minutes, +4 +/-. Thomas’s near triple-double included 4 assists in the third, fueling the comeback.
• Sami Whitcomb (G): 11 points, 4-for-8 FG (50.0%), 3-for-6 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 26 minutes, +3 +/-. Whitcomb’s three three-pointers, including two in the second quarter, kept Phoenix in the game.
• Monique Akoa Makani (G): 10 points, 4-for-8 FG (50.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 22 minutes, +2 +/-. Makani’s playmaking and 4 points in the fourth aided the rally.
• Natasha Mack (C): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 5 rebounds, 1 block, 1 turnover, 16 minutes, 0 +/-. Mack’s rebounding helped in the paint.
• Kalani Brown (C, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-2 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 8 minutes, -2 +/-. Limited impact off the bench.
• Veronica Burton (G, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-1 FG (0.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 7 minutes, -3 +/-. Minimal contribution in reserve role.
• Inactives: Kiana Williams, Lexi Held (Coach’s Decision).

Team Stats: 40.6% FG (26/64), 41.4% 3PT (12/29), 87.5% FT (21/24), 38 rebounds (7 offensive), 22 assists, 8 steals, 2 blocks, 12 turnovers, 28 points in the paint, 14 points off turnovers, 10 fastbreak points, 8 second-chance points. Phoenix’s 41.4% three-point shooting and 87.5% free-throw accuracy were critical in the comeback.

Key Player Stats: Los Angeles Sparks

• Odyssey Sims (G): 18 points, 7-for-11 FG (63.6%), 2-for-3 3PT (66.7%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, -4 +/-. Sims’s efficient scoring, including 6 points in the fourth, kept the Sparks competitive.
• Kelsey Plum (G): 15 points, 4-for-19 FG (21.1%), 2-for-10 3PT (20.0%), 5-for-6 FT (83.3%), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 36 minutes, -6 +/-. Plum’s 6 points in the fourth, including a jump ball forced at 1:06, weren’t enough, as she missed a three-pointer and jumper in the final minute.
• Dearica Hamby (F): 15 points, 6-for-12 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, -5 +/-. Hamby’s double-double included 8 points in the first half, but she faded late.
• Rickea Jackson (F): 14 points, 5-for-11 FG (45.5%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 30 minutes, -3 +/-. Jackson’s 6 points in the second quarter helped build the 18-point lead.
• Lexie Brown (G): 8 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, 24 minutes, -2 +/-. Brown’s two three-pointers in the first half contributed to the early lead.
• Azurá Stevens (F): 6 points, 2-for-6 FG (33.3%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 22 minutes, -4 +/-. Stevens’s three-pointer in the first quarter aided the Sparks’ hot start.
• Li Yueru (C): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 14 minutes, -1 +/-. Yueru’s layup in the second quarter added to the paint scoring.
• Rae Burrell (G, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 0-for-2 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 8 minutes, -2 +/-. Minimal impact off the bench.
• Cameron Brink (F, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-2 FG (0.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 1 turnover, 10 minutes, -3 +/-. Brink, in her first action of 2025 post-ACL recovery, struggled offensively but contributed defensively.
• Inactives: Aari McDonald (Coach’s Decision).

Team Stats: 36.6% FG (26/71), 22.9% 3PT (8/35), 80.0% FT (20/25), 38 rebounds (12 offensive), 18 assists, 6 steals, 3 blocks, 13 turnovers, 30 points in the paint, 10 points off turnovers, 12 fastbreak points, 12 second-chance points. The Sparks’ 0-for-15 three-point shooting in the second half and 13 turnovers were costly.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (LAS 24, PHX 15): The Sparks jumped to a 14-6 lead (6:45), with Plum (6 points, 2-for-4 FG) and Jackson (4 points) leading the way. Phoenix struggled, shooting 33.3% FG (5/15), with Sabally’s 5 points keeping them close.
• Second Quarter (LAS 50, PHX 37): The Sparks extended their lead to 18 (47-29, 2:54), fueled by Hamby’s 6 points and Brown’s two three-pointers. Phoenix responded with a 10-3 run, led by Whitcomb’s two three-pointers, to trail 50-37 at halftime.
• Third Quarter (PHX 61, LAS 59): Phoenix mounted a 23-7 run, with Westbeld’s three-pointer (2:11) giving them a 58-57 lead, their first since 14-13. Sabally’s 6 points and two free throws capped the run, while the Sparks shot 2-for-12 FG (16.7%) and 0-for-8 3PT.
• Fourth Quarter (PHX 85, LAS 80): The Sparks tied the game at 78-78 (1:30) with Sims’s layup. Plum forced a jump ball (1:06) but missed a three-pointer and jumper, then turned the ball over. Laksa’s two free throws (18.9 seconds) and Westbeld’s two free throws (9.9 seconds) sealed the 85-80 win.

Game 3: Phoenix Mercury 81, Los Angeles Sparks 72 (August 26, 2025)

Game Summary

The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 81-72 on August 26, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, completing a series sweep. The Mercury, coming off an 81-72 win over the Golden State Valkyries, were led by Monique Akoa Makani’s 18 points and Alyssa Thomas’s triple-double. The Sparks, fresh off an 81-80 win over the Dallas Wings, couldn’t maintain their offensive momentum, with Kelsey Plum and Rickea Jackson leading a late but unsuccessful rally.

Key Player Stats: Phoenix Mercury

• Monique Akoa Makani (G, Reserve): 18 points, 7-for-13 FG (53.8%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 24 minutes, +10 +/-. Makani’s career-high 18 points, including 8 in the third quarter, sparked the 15-5 run that gave Phoenix control.
• Alyssa Thomas (F): 12 points, 5-for-10 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-3 FT (66.7%), 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, +9 +/-. Thomas’s sixth triple-double of the season, with 6 assists in the first half and a layup (0:45, fourth), sealed the win.
• DeWanna Bonner (F): 14 points, 5-for-11 FG (45.5%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 32 minutes, +7 +/-. Bonner’s three-pointer in the third (3:15) extended the lead to 58-50.
• Kahleah Copper (G): 12 points, 5-for-11 FG (45.5%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 30 minutes, +6 +/-. Copper’s two free throws (0:30, fourth) secured an 81-72 lead.
• Satou Sabally (F): 10 points, 4-for-10 FG (40.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, +5 +/-. Sabally’s below-average scoring was offset by defensive contributions, including 2 steals.
• Sami Whitcomb (G): 8 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 22 minutes, +3 +/-. Whitcomb’s two three-pointers in the second quarter kept Phoenix close.
• Natasha Mack (C): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 4 rebounds, 1 block, 1 turnover, 16 minutes, +2 +/-. Mack’s layup in the third contributed to the paint scoring.
• Kathryn Westbeld (F, Reserve): 3 points, 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 10 minutes, -1 +/-. Minimal impact off the bench.
• Kalani Brown (C, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-2 FG (0.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 6 minutes, -1 +/-. Limited contribution in reserve role.
• Inactives: Kitija Laksa (ankle, questionable), Kiana Williams, Lexi Held (Coach’s Decision).

Team Stats: 42.0% FG (29/69, estimated), 35.0% 3PT (7/20), 80.0% FT (16/20), 35 rebounds (8 offensive), 22 assists, 8 steals, 3 blocks, 10 turnovers, 30 points in the paint, 12 fastbreak points, 8 second-chance points, 14 points off turnovers. Phoenix’s efficient shooting (42.0% FG) and low turnovers (10) fueled their third-quarter surge and victory.

Key Player Stats: Los Angeles Sparks

• Rickea Jackson (F): 25 points, 9-for-15 FG (60.0%), 6-for-7 3PT (85.7%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, -7 +/-. Jackson’s career-high six three-pointers, including back-to-back threes (2:00, fourth), cut the lead to 75-72, but she couldn’t close the gap.
• Kelsey Plum (G): 20 points, 7-for-18 FG (38.9%), 3-for-7 3PT (42.9%), 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 36 minutes, -8 +/-. Plum’s 8 points in the fourth fueled the rally, but her missed jumper (0:15) hurt the Sparks’ chances.
• Dearica Hamby (F): 12 points, 5-for-11 FG (45.5%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 2-for-3 FT (66.7%), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, -6 +/-. Hamby’s near double-double included 6 points in the first half, but she was limited in the fourth.
• Julie Allemand (G): 8 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, -5 +/-. Allemand’s 7 assists, including 4 in the first half, kept the Sparks’ offense flowing early.
• Lexie Brown (G): 6 points, 2-for-6 FG (33.3%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, 24 minutes, -4 +/-. Brown’s three-pointer in the second quarter helped maintain the lead.
• Azurá Stevens (F): 4 points, 2-for-5 FG (40.0%), 0-for-2 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 20 minutes, -3 +/-. Stevens’s layup in the first quarter contributed to the early advantage.
• Li Yueru (C): 2 points, 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 12 minutes, -2 +/-. Yueru’s minimal impact reflected the Sparks’ bench struggles.
• Rae Burrell (G, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-2 FG (0.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 8 minutes, -2 +/-. No offensive contribution off the bench.
• Cameron Brink (F, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-2 FG (0.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 1 turnover, 10 minutes, -3 +/-. Brink’s defensive presence was limited by foul trouble.
• Inactives: Aari McDonald (Coach’s Decision).

Team Stats: 39.0% FG (27/69, estimated), 36.0% 3PT (9/25), 75.0% FT (9/12), 34 rebounds (10 offensive), 20 assists, 6 steals, 3 blocks, 12 turnovers, 28 points in the paint, 10 fastbreak points, 10 second-chance points, 10 points off turnovers. The Sparks’ 12 turnovers and third-quarter collapse (12 points, 4-for-15 FG) were decisive.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (LAS 22, PHX 20): The Sparks led 14-8 (5:55), with Jackson’s two three-pointers (2-for-2 3PT) setting the pace. Thomas’s 6 points and 3 assists kept Phoenix close, trailing 22-20.
• Second Quarter (LAS 40, PHX 38): The Sparks maintained a 40-38 halftime lead, with Jackson’s 6 points (2-for-2 3PT) and Allemand’s 4 assists. Bonner’s three-pointer (1:45) and Makani’s 4 points off the bench kept Phoenix within striking distance.
• Third Quarter (PHX 60, LAS 52): Phoenix took control with a 15-5 run, sparked by Makani’s 8 points (3-for-4 FG) and Bonner’s three-pointer (3:15), building a 58-50 lead. The Sparks shot 4-for-15 FG (26.7%) and scored only 12 points.
• Fourth Quarter (PHX 81, LAS 72): Jackson’s back-to-back three-pointers (2:00) cut the lead to 75-72. Thomas’s layup (0:45) and Copper’s two free throws (0:30) extended the lead to 81-72, and Plum’s missed jumper (0:15) sealed the Sparks’ fate.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Since 2005, the Phoenix Mercury and Los Angeles Sparks have played 92 games, with each team winning 46 games. The Sparks average 83.3 points per game (PPG) to the Mercury’s 81.9 PPG, with opponents averaging 81.9 and 83.3 PPG, respectively. In the last five games before 2025, the Sparks won three, with a 54.0% against-the-spread (ATS) win percentage and 48.0% total points over percentage.

In 2025, the Mercury swept the series 3-0, showcasing:

• Defensive Prowess: Phoenix limited the Sparks to 36.6% FG (June 1) and seven points in the third quarter (May 21), leveraging their 80.0 PPG defensive average.
• Clutch Performances: Sabally’s 25 points (May 21) and 24 points (June 1), plus Thomas’s triple-doubles, sealed tight games.
• Bench Depth: Contributions from Westbeld (15 points, June 1) and Makani (18 points, August 26) outshone the Sparks’ reserves.

The Sparks’ strengths included:

• Offensive Firepower: Averaging 86.4 PPG, with Plum (20.4 PPG season average) and Jackson (25 points, August 26) leading the charge.
• Late Rallies: Nearly overcame deficits in May 21 (87-86) and June 1 (80-78), but fell short due to missed shots and turnovers.

Series Standouts

Phoenix Mercury

• Satou Sabally: Series MVP with 24 points, 9 rebounds (June 1), and 25 points (May 21), averaging 19.7 points and 7.7 rebounds across the series.
• Alyssa Thomas: Near triple-doubles in all three games (14 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds on May 21; 12 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds on June 1; 12 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists on August 26), showcasing elite playmaking.
• Monique Akoa Makani: Emerged with 18 points off the bench (August 26), complementing starters like Copper and Bonner.

Los Angeles Sparks

• Rickea Jackson: Breakout performer with 25 points, 6-for-7 3PT (August 26), and 18 points (May 21), averaging 19.0 points in the series.
• Kelsey Plum: Consistent scoring with 20 points (May 21), 18 points (June 1), and 20 points (August 26), but missed clutch shots in tight losses.
• Dearica Hamby: Reliable double-double threat, averaging 13.7 points and 8.7 rebounds, with 16 points, 10 rebounds (June 1).

Team Performance Context

Phoenix Mercury (22-14, 12-9 Western Conference by August 26)

The Mercury were a top-four WNBA team, trailing the Minnesota Lynx in the Western Conference. Their wins over the Sparks, Golden State Valkyries (81-72), and Las Vegas Aces (76-70) highlighted their playoff contention. Alyssa Thomas’s six triple-doubles and Satou Sabally’s scoring made Phoenix a formidable force, though their offense (82.9 PPG) was inconsistent compared to their defense (80.0 PPG allowed).

Los Angeles Sparks (17-18, 7-12 Western Conference by August 26)

The Sparks were a mid-tier team, ninth in the standings, with an 8-1 hot streak earlier in the season but a 3-3 record in their last six games. Their offense (86.4 PPG) was potent, led by Plum (20.4 PPG) and Jackson, but their defense (88.5 PPG allowed) struggled, especially against Phoenix’s balanced attack.

Injury and Roster Notes

• Phoenix Mercury: No major injuries reported for these games. The absence of Diana Taurasi (retired or not on roster) shifted focus to Sabally, Thomas, and Copper.
• Los Angeles Sparks: Cameron Brink played her first action of the season in a game against the Aces, suggesting she was available for the Sparks’ series, though specific contributions are unclear. All players were reported fit for August 26.

Conclusion

The Phoenix Mercury swept the Los Angeles Sparks 3-0 in their 2025 WNBA season series, with victories on May 21 (89-86), June 1 (85-80), and August 26 (81-72). Satou Sabally’s scoring, Alyssa Thomas’s all-around brilliance, and bench contributions from Makani and Westbeld powered Phoenix, while the Sparks’ Kelsey Plum and Rickea Jackson kept games close but couldn’t overcome late-game miscues. The series highlighted the Mercury’s playoff potential and the Sparks’ offensive prowess but defensive vulnerabilities. For more detailed stats and recaps, visit ESPN, Sportskeeda, FOX Sports, or WNBA.com.