LOS ANGELES — The Sparks have been eliminated from playoff contention for a fifth consecutive season, but forward Dearica Hamby is still encouraged by the team’s future.
“I came here two years ago and that was the plan, a long-term build and to be a part of it,” Hamby said. “I want to be here. I feel like we took steps in the right direction. I think it’s a little frustrating because you look at some of the games – we’re two games away – but I could count on two hands how many games that we kind of gave up. I’m still positive though and it’s good momentum for the future.”
The Sparks (21-22) are coming off an 88-83 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday night. Hamby had a game-high 25 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Forward Rae Burrell added a career-high 20 points off the bench.
“We were trying to make the playoffs and we knew we needed the game,” Burrell said. “I’m always trying to come in and do whatever the team needs me to do and be that energy shifter.”
The Sparks, who began the season with a 5-13 record, were eliminated from playoff contention when the Seattle Storm held off the Golden State Valkyries 74-73 on Tuesday to claim the eighth and final postseason berth.
The Sparks could still finish the season with a .500 record.
“The league is as good as it’s ever been,” Sparks first-year coach Lynne Roberts said. “There’s not a year in the history that 21 wins doesn’t get you in the playoffs – 21 wins in a league that is just competitive from top to bottom. I’m proud of our team for sticking together and sticking with me. They’ve bought in, and they’re playing their tails off.”
“What are things we could have done better? [Dearica Hamby] pointed at it, there’s some games I’d love to have back,” Roberts continued. “But that’s the way it works, and what you learn from that is you can’t just think, ‘Oh, it’ll be fine, it’s no big deal, it’s June.’ Those games matter. And we will learn from that, and that will be put in our pocket for next season, when we’re feeling a little whatever, like we’ve got to find a way to win those games we’re supposed to win.
“There’s 174 things that I’m sure that I’ll look back on and want to do better. But right now, I’m just proud of this group, and what we have achieved, and one more game.”
For that final game, the Aces (29-14) are currently on a 15-game winning streak, led by three-time MVP A’ja Wilson, who is averaging 23.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocked shots. Las Vegas still has a lot to play for, including the No. 2 overall seed in the upcoming playoffs.
LAS VEGAS ACES (29-14) AT SPARKS (21-22)
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Crypto.com Arena
TV: Spectrum SportsNet, NBA TV
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