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WNBA · Final

Sparks Edge Mercury in Thrilling WNBA Clash

Los Angeles Sparks
Los Angeles Sparks21-22
88
Phoenix Mercury
Phoenix Mercury27-16
83

Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 10:00 PM ET · Mortgage Matchup Center

Los Angeles Sparks 88, Phoenix Mercury 83, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Los Angeles Sparks vs Phoenix Mercury?

Los Angeles Sparks beat Phoenix Mercury 88-83 at Mortgage Matchup Center on September 9, 2025.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Los Angeles Sparks defeated the Phoenix Mercury 88-83 at the Mortgage Matchup Center. This victory marked the Sparks' second consecutive win against the Mercury this season, adding to their overall series record against Phoenix, which now stands at 3-1 in favor of the Mercury.

The Sparks entered the game with a record of 21-22, while the Mercury boasted a stronger 27-16 record. However, recent form suggested a competitive encounter. The Mercury had an 8-2 record over their last ten games but were coming off a loss to the Connecticut Sun, which broke a four-game home winning streak. Despite their strong performance at home, averaging 82.4 points scored and allowing 78.9 points, the Mercury were missing key players due to injuries, including Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper.

On the other hand, the Sparks had a mixed record of 5-5 in their last ten games, but they were riding a one-game winning streak after defeating the Dallas Wings 91-77 in their previous outing. The Sparks averaged 84.6 points scored but struggled defensively, allowing 86.9 points per game. Their away record of 2-3 in the last five games indicated they faced challenges on the road, but they managed to secure a crucial win against the Mercury.

In terms of previous meetings, the Sparks had struggled historically against the Mercury, with a record of 1-7 in their last eight encounters. However, their recent performance suggested they were beginning to turn the tide, having won their last two matchups this season.

Injuries played a significant role in the game, as the Mercury were without several key players. Alongside Plum and Copper, Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic were also out for reasons not related to injury. The Sparks were missing Aaliyah Nye, who was out for non-injury-related reasons as well. These absences undoubtedly affected the dynamics of both teams.

The betting market reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with the Sparks priced at +5.5 according to the provider. The conditions during the game were conducive to a high-paced contest, which both teams capitalized on throughout the match.

As the game unfolded, the Sparks managed to maintain a slight edge, particularly in the fourth quarter. Key plays included a two-point shot from Dearica Hamby, which put the Sparks ahead 82-78. Kelsey Plum's free throw extended the lead to 83-78, but the Mercury responded with a three-pointer from Kiana Williams to narrow the gap to 83-81. Hamby continued to shine for the Sparks, scoring again to push the lead to 85-81.

The closing moments were tense, with the Mercury attempting to claw back. However, free throws from Azura Stevens sealed the game for the Sparks, ensuring they walked away with a hard-fought victory. The final score of 88-83 highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams and set the stage for an intriguing remainder of the season.

Injury report

  • Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
  • Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
  • Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
  • Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
  • Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
  • Aaliyah NyeOutNot Injury RelatedLos Angeles Sparks

Leaders

  • PointsSatou Sabally24Phoenix Mercury
  • AssistsAlyssa Thomas10Phoenix Mercury
  • ReboundsAlyssa Thomas11Phoenix Mercury
  • PointsDearica Hamby25Los Angeles Sparks
  • AssistsDearica Hamby5Los Angeles Sparks
  • ReboundsDearica Hamby9Los Angeles Sparks

Recent form

Phoenix Mercury

Last 10: 8-2Streak L182.4 scored · 78.9 allowed per game4-0 at home

  • L84-87at Connecticut SunSep 6
  • W75-69at Washington MysticsSep 4
  • W85-79vs Indiana FeverSep 3
  • W80-63vs New York LibertyAug 31
  • W83-79vs Chicago SkyAug 29
  • W92-84at Los Angeles SparksAug 27
  • W81-72vs Golden State ValkyriesAug 23
  • L61-83at Las Vegas AcesAug 22
  • W98-91at Golden State ValkyriesAug 20
  • W85-82at Seattle StormAug 17

Los Angeles Sparks

Last 10: 5-5Streak W184.6 scored · 86.9 allowed per game2-3 away

  • W91-77vs Dallas WingsSep 7
  • L85-104at Atlanta DreamSep 5
  • L75-86at Atlanta DreamSep 3
  • W91-85at Seattle StormSep 2
  • W81-78vs Washington MysticsSep 1
  • L75-76vs Indiana FeverAug 30
  • L84-92vs Phoenix MercuryAug 27
  • W81-80vs Dallas WingsAug 21
  • L86-95at Washington MysticsAug 17
  • W97-96at Dallas WingsAug 15

Standings

TeamGames behindLostStreakWin %Won
Minnesota-9L2.77531
Golden State211W4.72529
Las Vegas413W3.67527
Dallas716W4.60024
Portland1524L1.40016
Los Angeles1625W2.37515
Phoenix1726W1.35014
Seattle2332L1.2008

Box score

StatLos Angeles SparksPhoenix Mercury
Field goals29-6930-72
Field goal %4242
Three-pointers9-3110-30
Three-point %2933
Free throws21-2513-17
Free throw %8476
Rebounds3539
Offensive rebounds911
Defensive rebounds2628
Assists2120
Steals77
Blocks43
Turnovers912
Team turnovers10
Technical fouls00
Technical fouls, total00
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers813
Fast-break points90
Points in the paint3832
Fouls1318
Largest lead108

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter56-54Satou Sabally makes free throw 1 of 1
  2. 3rd Quarter57-54Rae Burrell makes free throw 1 of 2
  3. 3rd Quarter58-54Rae Burrell makes free throw 2 of 2
  4. 3rd Quarter58-56Alyssa Thomas makes 5-foot two point shot
  5. 3rd Quarter58-59Sami Whitcomb makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kathryn Westbeld assists)
  6. 3rd Quarter58-61Kahleah Copper makes driving layup (Sami Whitcomb assists)
  7. 3rd Quarter61-61Azura Stevens makes 25-foot three point jumper (Julie Allemand assists)
  8. 3rd Quarter63-61Rae Burrell makes 5-foot two point shot
  9. 3rd Quarter63-62Satou Sabally makes free throw 2 of 2
  10. 4th Quarter63-63Kalani Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
  11. 4th Quarter63-64Kalani Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
  12. 4th Quarter64-64Dearica Hamby makes free throw 1 of 2
  13. 4th Quarter64-65Kitija Laksa makes free throw 1 of 3
  14. 4th Quarter64-66Kitija Laksa makes free throw 2 of 3
  15. 4th Quarter64-67Kitija Laksa makes free throw 3 of 3
  16. 4th Quarter64-68Kalani Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
  17. 4th Quarter64-69Kalani Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
  18. 4th Quarter66-69Dearica Hamby makes 2-foot layup (Azura Stevens assists)
  19. 4th Quarter66-71Lexi Held makes 20-foot step back jumpshot (Kiana Williams assists)
  20. 4th Quarter68-71Dearica Hamby makes driving layup
  21. 4th Quarter69-71Dearica Hamby makes free throw 1 of 1
  22. 4th Quarter69-73Lexi Held makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
  23. 4th Quarter70-73Rae Burrell makes free throw 1 of 2
  24. 4th Quarter71-73Rae Burrell makes free throw 2 of 2
  25. 4th Quarter74-73Kelsey Plum makes 25-foot three point jumper (Rae Burrell assists)
  26. 4th Quarter74-74Kiana Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
  27. 4th Quarter76-74Dearica Hamby makes two point shot (Julie Allemand assists)
  28. 4th Quarter78-74Dearica Hamby makes 2-foot layup (Rae Burrell assists)
  29. 4th Quarter79-74Dearica Hamby makes free throw 1 of 1
  30. 4th Quarter79-77Kiana Williams makes 25-foot three point jumper (Lexi Held assists)
  31. 4th Quarter79-78Kalani Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
  32. 4th Quarter80-78Azura Stevens makes free throw 2 of 2
  33. 4th Quarter82-78Dearica Hamby makes two point shot (Kelsey Plum assists)
  34. 4th Quarter83-78Kelsey Plum makes free throw 2 of 2
  35. 4th Quarter83-81Kiana Williams makes 23-foot three point jumper (Lexi Held assists)
  36. 4th Quarter85-81Dearica Hamby makes two point shot
  37. 4th Quarter86-81Dearica Hamby makes free throw 1 of 1
  38. 4th Quarter86-83Kalani Brown makes two point shot
  39. 4th Quarter87-83Azura Stevens makes free throw 1 of 2
  40. 4th Quarter88-83Azura Stevens makes free throw 2 of 2

Win probability

Above the line favours Phoenix Mercury, below favours Los Angeles Sparks.

Venue

  • Mortgage Matchup CenterPhoenix, AZ
  • Attendance13151
  • OfficialsMichael Price, Gina Cross, Agon Abazi

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.