The Los Angeles Sparks took a crucial win over the Indiana Fever on Wednesday, ending a brief skid in Caitlin Clark’s return from a two-game absence.
The Sparks won by a score of 106-92, taking control of the game following the first quarter. Heading into the second period of play down four points, the Sparks scored 27 points to their opponents’ 16 before the half.
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They also outscored their opponents in each of the final two quarters to take a comfortable, 14-point win.
Forwards Rae Burrell and Nneka Ogwumike and center Dearica Hamby each score 20 points in the game, and Hamby fell just short of a double-double. Kelsey Mitchell scored 29 for the Fever, as Clark struggled to get things going on her minutes restriction.
Clark had just nine points on 33.3% shooting during the game, recording four rebounds and three assists as well. She sat out of the last couple of games due to a lingering back injury, which flared up against the Phoenix Mercury on June 24.
Jul 8, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts to a play during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
On the year, Clark averages 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game, serving as the Fever’s offensive catalyst.
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Why is the win so important for the Sparks?
The Sparks need to take advantage of every game they can going forward, as they currently have a 9-11 record nearly midway through the season. Their current record has them fifth in the Western Conference, and No. 9 in terms of playoff seeding—meaning they would miss the playoffs if the season ended today.
They’re also currently without All-Star guard Kelsey Plum, who injured her leg a couple of weeks ago. The Sparks stated they’d re-evaluate Plum in four weeks at the time of the injury.
Without one of their two All-Stars, the Sparks have to fight to remain near the playoff picture while they wait for Plum to come back. They’ll look to replicate their most recent result on Friday, when they face the Chicago Sky at home.
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The Sky currently have the third-worst record in the league, and will look to grab a win against a hobbled Sparks team. The game is set for 7:00 p.m. PT Friday.
The post Sparks Break 3-Game Skid, Spoil Caitlin Clark Return appeared first on LA Sports Report.
