Lindsay Allen led the way with 16 points, while rookies Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese recorded double-doubles as the Chicago Sky staged a fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Sparks 90-86 at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, handing Los Angeles their fifth consecutive home loss.
By the start of the final quarter, Chicago (11-15) found themselves trailing 74-64. However, a turnaround jumper from Allen and a three-pointer by Rachel Banham quickly cut the deficit in half. Cardoso added a layup, further reducing the Sparks’ lead to just three points. Odyssey Sims responded with a layup for the Sparks (6-20), but Reese and Cardoso’s scoring pushed the Sky ahead 77-76 with 6:35 remaining.
Stephanie Talbot’s three-pointer tied the game at 79 with 4:43 left. Reese made a free throw to put Chicago back in the lead, and Michaela Onyenwere’s layup kept the Sky on top for the rest of the game.
Allen shot 7 for 11 from the field and dished out six assists. Cardoso contributed 15 points and 14 rebounds, while Reese finished with 14 points and 11 boards. Banham added 14 points, including three three-pointers.
For the Sparks, Kia Nurse led with 16 points. Rickea Jackson and Talbot each scored 13, and Crystal Dangerfield chipped in 11 points and six assists. Azurá Stevens finished with 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
The Sparks briefly took the lead at 20-18 in the first quarter, but Chennedy Carter’s baskets helped the Sky regain a 26-25 lead after the first period.
Nurse’s 13 first-half points powered the Sparks to a 46-42 lead at halftime. Dangerfield’s three-pointer extended the lead further before the break.
Despite a strong start to the third quarter from the Sky, the Sparks maintained their lead. A late 8-0 run from L.A., fueled by Talbot’s layups, gave them a 10-point lead going into the final quarter.
The Sparks will face the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, while the Sky will take on the Phoenix Mercury on Monday in Arizona.
