Caitlin Clark’s late-game heroics sink Sparks in second-half collapse

Despite holding a double-digit lead at halftime, the Sparks fell to the Fever after big baskets from Caitlin Clark in the fourth quarter.

An offensive collapse in the second half led to the Indiana Fever taking over and grabbing the win against the Sparks, 78-73.

LA’s leader Dearica Hamby had another strong game, scoring 18 points with 12 rebounds and seven assists. She also hit a personal milestone of 1,000 field goals in her career.

Cameron Brink had another impactful game on all fronts. She ended with 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Rickea Jackson led the bench with 16 points.

Both teams flew out the gate with incredible energy. The Sparks ensured Brink had plenty of touches to start, scoring six early points. LA was gelling on all cylinders and went on a 12-4 run to secure a quick seven-point lead.

The lead continued to extend as the team was completely locked in. The Fever had gotten it within three, but the Sparks answered to go up back up seven at the end of the first.

Rookie phenom Caitlin Clark struck first in the 2nd quarter for the Fever. The Sparks found themselves missing a few shots, which let the Fever pull within three again. A 3-pointer by Zia Cooke extended LA’s lead to six.

Unfortunately, Brink, who was having a stellar first half, ended up with three fouls in this quarter. Jackson’s continued great play off the bench has been excellent for Los Angeles. They kept the lead for much of the quarter, even with the Fever mounting a few small comebacks.

The Fever pulled to within six with two minutes left in the half, but the Sparks responded to push the lead to eight. Hamby again was the offensive leader for LA and was the first player from either team in double digits with 16.

At halftime, the Sparks were up 11.

The Fever started the second half better offensively than the Sparks. They pulled to within seven. LA would have to play extended minutes without Brink who was called for her fourth foul. Nine straight points for the Fever had them within two.

The home team suddenly couldn’t find any offensive power to start this half. As soon as the Fever tied the game, Jackson made a three to put LA back up. The Fever then took the lead by two.

Aari McDonald was a huge boost off the bench for the Sparks, to help them retake the lead and extend it to four. The last seconds of the quarter saw the Fever get it to within one, but Jackson’s free throws put them back up by three to end the third.

The Sparks' slow start to the fourth let the Fever take the lead by one. The Fever’s Aliyah Boston was having a huge game, a major reason they were back in it. They took the lead by five as the Sparks seemed to lose steam again.

The Fever completely took all the momentum and extended their lead to seven. Although there was plenty of time left, the Sparks were entering nervous time with three minutes left.

Jackson once again provided the spark, pun intended, for the hosts to close within two. But the Fever answered and Clark knocked down a 3-pointer that shifted the momentum back to the Fever.

Turnovers were a huge problem for Los Angeles, who seemed to be lackadaisical with the ball in the second half. Brink’s three helped cut the deficit to four with 1:05 left. Lexie Brown brought them to within two with a midway shot, but Clark’s 3-pointer took the Fever back up by five.

With 14 seconds left, a pair of free throws from Kelsey Mitchell sealed the deal for the Fever to grab their first win of the season.

Key Takeaways:

The Sparks tend to go on extended scoring droughts, which allows the opposing team to get close or even take the lead. They must better their game plans to eliminate those droughts.

Turnovers need to stop. They were a huge reason why this game ended up so close.

Jackson’s play off the bench continues to soar and excel. Her continued growth is going to be essential throughout the season.

The Sparks’ next game will be Sunday against the Dallas Wings at 6:00 PM PT.

You can follow Karin on Twitter at @KarinAbcarians.