The Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks match player stats have always been a fascinating study for WNBA enthusiasts, especially in a tightly contested 2025 season. On August 31, 2025, the Los Angeles Sparks edged out a thrilling 81-78 victory over the Washington Mystics at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This game, part of the regular season’s closing stretch, showcased intense defense, clutch performances, and a battle for playoff positioning. As we delve into the Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks match player stats, we’ll uncover the numbers that defined this nail-biter, highlighting individual contributions, team efficiencies, and what they mean for both franchises moving forward.
In this complete review of the Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks match player stats, we’ll break down the box score, analyze standout players, and explore tactical insights. The Sparks, riding a wave of momentum with three straight wins earlier in the month, improved to 4-0 in recent outings, while the Mystics, already eliminated from postseason contention after a prior blowout loss, fought valiantly but fell short. The final margin was slim, with the Sparks holding off a late Mystics surge thanks to sharp free-throw shooting and timely threes. Diving deeper into the Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks match player stats reveal a game where rebounding and fourth-quarter execution were decisive.
Sparks vs Mystics Game Action: Dearica Hamby drives to the basket during the intense fourth-quarter clash. (Source: ESPN)
Game Overview and Team Stats
The Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks match player stats paint a picture of parity, with both teams shooting around 40% from the field. The Sparks finished with 28-of-70 field goals (40%), including 10-of-36 from beyond the arc (27.8%), and 15-of-18 free throws (83.3%). They dominated the boards with 40 rebounds (12 offensive), forcing 11 Mystics turnovers while committing 13 themselves. Defensively, the Sparks notched 7 steals and 5 blocks, limiting the Mystics to 28-of-72 shooting (38.9%).
For the Mystics, their 9-of-23 three-point shooting (39.1%) kept them in the hunt, but they struggled with 11 turnovers and only 13-of-18 free throws (72.2%). Rebounding was even at 40 total, but the Mystics’ 10 offensive boards led to second-chance points that fueled their comeback attempt. The game unfolded in quarters: Sparks 22-11 after one, 40-31 at half, 55-49 after three, and a frantic 26-29 final frame where the Mystics nearly stole it.
This Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks match player stats review wouldn’t be complete without noting the pace: 78 possessions per team, with the Sparks edging in efficiency (1.04 points per possession vs. 1.00 for Washington). The Sparks’ bench contributed 18 points, while the Mystics’ reserves tallied 31, showing depth as a Mystics strength.
Los Angeles Sparks Player Stats Breakdown
Leading the charge for the Sparks in this Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks match player stats showcase was Dearica Hamby, who delivered a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds in 35 minutes. Hamby shot 8-of-15 from the field (53.3%), grabbing 5 offensive rebounds that sparked second-chance opportunities. Her defensive presence was felt with 2 steals and 1 block, but 2 turnovers highlighted areas for polish. Hamby’s performance anchored the frontcourt, allowing the Sparks to control the paint (44 points in the paint vs. Mystics’ 38).
Azura Stevens complemented Hamby with 9 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists in 29 minutes, shooting 3-of-9 overall but hustling for 6 offensive boards. Her versatility shone in transition, where she facilitated plays leading to open threes. Rickea Jackson, the rookie sensation, added 16 points on 5-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-10 from deep—a career night for long-range bombing. In 27 minutes, Jackson’s scoring burst in the third quarter (10 points) helped build a 52-38 lead.
Julie Allemand orchestrated the offense masterfully, posting 18 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds in 33 minutes. Her 4-of-9 field goal clip included 3-of-6 threes, and she dished dimes with precision, though 3 turnovers came in crunch time. Off the bench, Cameron Brink managed 5 points and 2 rebounds in limited 12 minutes (2-of-8 shooting), hampered by foul trouble (4 PF). Rae Burrell provided spark with 6 points and 2 assists in 16 minutes, hitting 3-of-6 shots efficiently.
Sarah Ashlee Barker chipped in 3 points with a timely three in 9 minutes, while Julie Vanloo struggled offensively (0 points in 8 minutes) but added 1 assist. The Sparks’ depth was tested with three DNP-Coach’s Decisions (Emma Cannon, Sania Feagin, Player #24), but starters carried the load. Overall, the Sparks’ balanced attack—five players in double figures—proved pivotal in the Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks match player stats narrative.
Hamby Rebound: Dearica Hamby secures a crucial rebound late in the game. (Source: ESPN)
Washington Mystics Player Stats Breakdown
The Mystics’ resilience was evident in their Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks match player stats, particularly from Kiki Iriafen, who erupted for 22 points and 13 rebounds in 27 minutes. Shooting 8-of-20 (40%), Iriafen was a force inside, scoring 16 in the paint and adding 1 block. Her 7 defensive rebounds helped fuel fast breaks, and though she had 1 turnover, her energy lifted the team during a 16-4 run in the fourth.
Shakira Austin battled foul trouble but delivered 11 points and 7 rebounds in 22 minutes (3-of-9 FG), including a key three-pointer. Her defensive stats included 1 steal, contributing to the Mystics’ 6 steals total. Sonia Citron, in a surprising off-night, scored just 2 points on 1-of-6 shooting but distributed 5 assists and grabbed 2 rebounds in 27 minutes—her playmaking kept the offense flowing.
Alysha Clark, the veteran, went scoreless (0-of-1) in 20 minutes but snagged 4 rebounds and 1 assist, providing lockdown defense with 0 fouls. From the bench, Stefanie Dolson was a bright spot with 10 points on 3-of-5 shooting, including 2-of-2 threes, plus 3 assists in 15 minutes. Her timely three gave the Mystics a brief 56-55 lead in the fourth.
Jade Melbourne added 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists in 25 minutes but struggled from deep (0-of-5). Emily Engstler contributed 6 points and 3 rebounds in 16 minutes (3-of-6 FG), while Jacy Sheldon tallied 9 points, 5 assists, and 2 threes in 21 minutes—her scoring punch narrowed the gap to 77-72 late. Madison Scott (DNP – Right Ankle Injury), Player #33 (DNP – Coach’s Decision), and another (DNP – ACL) highlighted injury woes plaguing Washington.
The Mystics’ starters scored 47 points, with the bench adding 31, but turnovers (11) and poor free-throw execution (72%) cost them dearly in this Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks match player stats dissection.
Mystics Comeback Attempt: Kiki Iriafen powers through for a layup during the Mystics’ late surge. (Source: WNBA.com)
Key Moments and Tactical Analysis
The game’s turning point came in the fourth quarter, where the Sparks outscored the Mystics 26-29 but held firm. A 12-0 Sparks run early ballooned to 22-11 after one, but Washington’s second-quarter surge tied it at 22 before L.A. responded. Hamby’s layup with 19.7 seconds left sealed it after Melbourne’s bucket made it 77-72.
Tactically, the Sparks’ zone defense stifled Mystics’ threes early, forcing 72 attempts overall—a high-volume, low-efficiency night. Washington’s pick-and-roll with Iriafen exploited mismatches, generating 20 assists, but Sparks’ rebounding (12 offensive) led to 18 second-chance points. Plum’s (or Allemand’s, per box) fourth-quarter heroics—14 points—mirrored her recap dominance, emphasizing L.A.’s clutch gene.
Injuries and fatigue played roles: Mystics without key reserves, Sparks managing Brink’s minutes. This Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks match player stats review underscores rebounding’s premium—both at 40 total, but the Sparks converted better.
Implications for the Season
With the 2025 playoffs looming (starting September), this win bolsters the Sparks’ seeding push, their balanced scoring a playoff blueprint. For the Mystics, it’s a morale booster despite elimination, with Iriafen emerging as a star. Future matchups? The series history favors Sparks (29-22 all-time), but Washington’s youth signals growth.
The Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks match player stats ultimately highlight a league evolving toward parity, where every rebound and three counts.
FAQ
Q1: Who was the leading scorer in the Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks match on August 31, 2025? A: Dearica Hamby led the Sparks with 20 points, while Kiki Iriafen topped the Mystics with 22 points.
Q2: How did rebounding impact the game? A: Both teams grabbed 40 rebounds, but the Sparks’ 12 offensive boards led to crucial second-chance points, tipping the scales in their favor.
Q3: What were the shooting percentages from three-point range? A: The Mystics shot 39.1% (9-of-23), outperforming the Sparks’ 27.8% (10-of-36), but volume and defense dictated outcomes.
Q4: Were there any notable injuries? A: Yes, Madison Scott sat out with a right ankle injury for the Mystics, and several Sparks players were DNP-Coach’s Decision.
Q5: What’s the head-to-head record? A: The Sparks lead 29-22 all-time against the Mystics.
