The Sparks defeated the Dallas Wings 91-77 on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena to keep their faint playoff hopes alive heading into the final week of the regular season.
Julie Allemand finished with 21 points, a career-high five steals and four assists, and Rae Burrell had 13 points as the Sparks went on a 16-0 run in the fourth quarter.
“I think we stayed strong defensively, we got some steals, and then we were just running and played as a team,” Allemand said. “When we play like that, I think we are unstoppable.”
The Sparks (20-22) must win their final two games against Phoenix and Las Vegas and have Seattle lose to Golden State on Tuesday to make the postseason.
The Sparks led for nearly the entire game, capitalizing on 10 three-pointers, 11 steals and six players scoring in double digits.
Dallas, however, went on a 19-2 run at the beginning of the third quarter and managed to briefly lead twice.
Amy Okonkwo hit a three-pointer with 8.9 seconds left in the third quarter to give the Wings (9-34) a one-point lead. But the Sparks didn’t waste time responding, with Allemand hitting a three-pointer before the buzzer that put the Sparks ahead for good.
Burrell scored 11 points in the fourth quarter to help the Sparks pull away.
Sparks coach Lynne Roberts praised Burrell for her aggressiveness.
“She’s going to fly around and make things happen,” Roberts said. “She’s so athletic, bouncy, and aggressive — that brings everyone to life.”
Azurá Stevens had 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Dearica Hamby finished with 15 points and eight rebounds. Kelsey Plum had 12 points and Rickea Jackson contributed 11 points.
Stevens said her performance was a reminder of how she can contribute to the Sparks’ success.
“I know I am a big part of the team, just like everybody else is,” Stevens said. “I know when I come out aggressive, even if I am not making shots, it still puts pressure on the defense.”
Dallas rookie Paige Bueckers finished with 18 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Myisha Hines-Allen had 15 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. Maddy Siegrist added 13 points and four rebounds for the Wings.
