Los Angeles Sparks Defeat Toronto Tempo 99-95 for First Season Win
The Los Angeles Sparks secured their first victory of the 2026 WNBA season, defeating the expansion Toronto Tempo 99-95 at Crypto.com Arena. Kelsey Plum led the Sparks with 27 points and nine assists, supported by Nneka Ogwumike’s 20 points. Despite building a 20-point lead, Los Angeles faced a late rally from Toronto, where Brittney Sykes scored 27 points. The Sparks held on due to efficient shooting and crucial late free throws, improving their record to 1-2. This win marks a significant turnaround for Los Angeles after early season struggles.
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Sykes Scores Career-High 38 as Tempo Defeat Sparks 106-96
The Toronto Tempo secured their first road victory of the season by defeating the Los Angeles Sparks with a final score of 106-96 on Sunday. The win improved Toronto's record to 2-2. Brittney Sykes led the charge for the Tempo, delivering a standout performance with a career-high 38 points. Her efficiency was notable, as she went a perfect 15-for-15 from the free-throw line. Rookie Kiki Rice also made a significant contribution in her first start, adding 19 points to the team's total. Other key contributors included Marina Mabrey, who scored 14 points, and Kia Nurse, who added 10 points. The Tempo's success was partly driven by their exceptional accuracy from the foul line, where they converted 39 out of 42 attempts. This victory marks a significant milestone for the franchise as they continue their campaign, demonstrating strong offensive execution and capitalizing on free-throw opportunities to maintain their lead over the Sparks throughout the game.
yahoo sportsBrittney Sykes' Career-High 38 Points Lead Toronto Tempo to First Road Win Over LA Sparks
The expansion Toronto Tempo secured their first-ever road victory by defeating the Los Angeles Sparks 106-96 at Crypto.com Arena on May 17, 2026. Brittney Sykes delivered a standout performance against her former team, scoring a career-high 38 points and shooting a perfect 15-of-15 from the free-throw line. Rookie Kiki Rice, making her first career start in her return to Los Angeles, contributed a career-high 19 points. The Tempo improved their record to 2-2, avenging a previous loss to the Sparks earlier in the week. Despite strong efforts from Los Angeles stars Kelsey Plum, who scored 28 points, and Dearica Hamby with 21 points and nine rebounds, the Sparks fell to 1-3. Toronto controlled much of the game, leading by as many as 17 points in the second half and shooting 47.5% from the field. The game was marked by high foul counts, with both teams combining for 59 fouls and 72 free throw attempts. The Tempo's exceptional free-throw shooting, particularly in the third quarter where they went 15-for-15, proved decisive in maintaining their lead and closing out the win.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseLA Sparks Seek .500 Record in Rematch Against Toronto Tempo
The Los Angeles Sparks (1-2) are set to conclude their home stand with a Sunday afternoon rematch against the Toronto Tempo (1-2). Following a narrow victory on Friday, the Sparks aim to achieve a 2-2 record before embarking on road games. Head coach Lynne Roberts emphasized the importance of maintaining the improved ball movement displayed in the previous match, where the team recorded 26 assists and had six players score in double figures. Guard Erica Wheeler, starting in place of the concussed Ariel Atkins, credited herself for facilitating better offensive flow. Star player Kelsey Plum, who ties A'ja Wilson for the league scoring lead, stressed the need to avoid losing three consecutive games despite a challenging early schedule. While celebrating the win, Roberts noted defensive lapses in the second half against Toronto, urging tighter play for the full 40 minutes. The Tempo, coached by Sandy Brondello, remains a competitive threat with key scorers like Brittney Sykes and Marina Mabrey. The Sparks hope to leverage their recent offensive cohesion to secure another win and stabilize their season start.
yahoo sportsWNBA Prediction: Sparks Favored Over Tempo in May 17 Rematch
This article provides betting predictions and analysis for the WNBA game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Toronto Tempo scheduled for May 17, 2026. Following a narrow 99-95 victory by the Sparks in their previous encounter, Los Angeles enters this rematch as clear favorites. The analysis highlights Kelsey Plum as the key player for the Sparks, noting her strong start to the season with over 25 points in each of her first three games. With teammate Ariel Atkins still recovering from a concussion, Plum is expected to handle significant offensive volume. The primary recommendation is a bet on Plum scoring over 21.5 points. Additionally, a same-game parlay suggests Plum will make over 2.5 three-pointers and the Sparks will win outright. For the Tempo, Marina Mabrey is identified as a value pick for the first basket scorer after a quiet previous performance. The Sparks are listed with an -8.5 spread and -330 moneyline odds, while the game's over/under is set at 175.5 points. The matchup will take place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Covers.com: general News and StoriesLos Angeles Sparks Seek Consistency in Rematch Against Toronto Tempo
The Los Angeles Sparks are preparing for a rematch against the expansion Toronto Tempo after securing their first victory of the season with a 99-95 win. Despite building significant leads, the Sparks nearly surrendered their advantage, holding on thanks to late-game scoring by Kelsey Plum, who finished with 27 points and nine assists. Nneka Ogwumike contributed 20 points in her return to Los Angeles. Head coach Lynne Roberts emphasized the need for a complete 40-minute effort, acknowledging the team's inability to maintain consistency throughout the game. The Toronto Tempo, playing only their second franchise game, rallied from a slow start but fell short. Brittney Sykes led Toronto with 27 points against her former team. Tempo coach Sandy Brondello expressed dissatisfaction with her team's sluggish beginning, describing it as unacceptable, while praising their subsequent fight. The teams meet again shortly in Los Angeles, offering the Sparks a chance to even their record at 2-2 and the Tempo an opportunity to secure their first road win.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseLos Angeles Sparks Secure First Season Win Against Toronto Tempo
The Los Angeles Sparks achieved their first victory of the 2026 WNBA season, defeating the Toronto Tempo 99-95 at Crypto.com Arena. Despite leading by as many as 20 points in a wire-to-wire performance, the Sparks faced a late comeback attempt by the Tempo, who had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds before Marina Mabrey missed a crucial three-pointer. Sparks coach Lynne Roberts praised her team's offensive execution, highlighting 26 assists on 37 field goals and six players scoring in double figures, though she noted defensive lapses in the second half. Kelsey Plum led the Sparks with 27 points and nine assists, while Nneka Ogwumike contributed an efficient 20 points. Erica Wheeler stepped up in the absence of Ariel Atkins, ensuring effective ball movement. For the Tempo, former Spark Brittney Sykes topped the scoring with 27 points. The win marks a significant turnaround for Los Angeles after a difficult start to the season, showcasing improved teamwork and shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc.
yahoo sportsLos Angeles Sparks Defeat Toronto Tempo 99-95 for First Season Win
The Los Angeles Sparks secured their first victory of the 2026 WNBA season by defeating the visiting Toronto Tempo 99-95 at Crypto.com Arena. Kelsey Plum led the charge for Los Angeles, scoring 27 points, with 20 coming in the decisive second half. Nneka Ogwumike contributed 20 points, while Dearica Hamby added 19 points and seven rebounds. The Sparks established an early dominance, taking a 19-2 lead in the first quarter and shooting an efficient 63.8% from the field. Despite a late surge by the Tempo, who trailed by as many as 20 points, Los Angeles held on to win. Brittney Sykes topped the scoring for Toronto with 27 points against her former team, and Laura Juskaite added 16 points off the bench. The loss marked the first road defeat in Toronto's franchise history, dropping them to a 1-2 record. Rookie Kiki Rice scored 11 points in her return to Los Angeles. The Sparks improved to 1-2, overcoming 16 turnovers to secure the win despite the absence of guard Ariel Atkins due to concussion protocol.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseLos Angeles Sparks Defeat Toronto Tempo 99-95 for First Season Win
The Los Angeles Sparks secured their first victory of the 2026 WNBA season by defeating the Toronto Tempo 99-95 at Crypto.com Arena. Kelsey Plum led the charge for Los Angeles, scoring 27 points, with 20 coming in the decisive second half. Nneka Ogwumike contributed 20 points, while Dearica Hamby added 19 points and seven rebounds. The Sparks established an early dominance, taking a 19-2 lead in the first quarter and maintaining a significant advantage throughout much of the game. Despite a late surge from the Tempo, who trailed by as many as 20 points in the second half, Los Angeles held on. Brittney Sykes scored 27 points for Toronto in a return against her former team, and rookie Kiki Rice added 11 points. The loss marked the first road defeat in Toronto's franchise history. Key moments included Marina Mabrey missing a potential tying three-pointer late in the fourth quarter, allowing the Sparks to close out the win with free throws from Plum and Cameron Brink. Los Angeles shot an impressive 63.8% from the field compared to Toronto's 44.3%.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseSparks Secure First Season Win Against Toronto Tempo
The Los Angeles Sparks earned their first victory of the season with a narrow 99-95 win over the expansion Toronto Tempo at Crypto.com Arena. Despite a late rally by Toronto that cut the deficit to just two points, the Sparks held on thanks to strong offensive performance from their starting lineup. All five starters scored in double figures, led by Kelsey Plum, who recorded 27 points and nine assists. Dearica Hamby contributed 19 points and seven rebounds, while Nneka Ogwumike added 20 points. Erica Wheeler, starting for the concussed Ariel Atkins, facilitated the offense with 10 points and seven assists, helping the team shoot an efficient 63.8% from the field. The Sparks dominated the paint with 54 points, exploiting Toronto's shortage of frontcourt players due to Temi Fagbenle's absence. Although Toronto out-rebounded Los Angeles and received significant bench contributions, misses in crucial final moments sealed the loss. This win marks a turning point for the Sparks after previous struggles, while Toronto, coming off their first franchise win, faced a more complete offensive opponent. The teams are scheduled to meet again shortly.
yahoo sportsSparks Secure First Season Win, Defeat Tempo 99-95 Behind Plum's 25 Points
The Los Angeles Sparks achieved their first victory of the season by defeating the expansion Toronto Tempo 99-95 in a closely contested WNBA matchup on Friday night. Kelsey Plum was instrumental for Los Angeles, scoring 25 points, including 18 in the second half, to help the team withstand a late rally by Toronto. Nneka Ogwumike contributed 20 points, while Dearica Hamby added 19. The Sparks established an early lead, scoring the first 10 points, and maintained control through efficient shooting, converting 64% of their attempts compared to Toronto's 44%. Despite trailing by as many as 20 points in the second half, the Tempo fought back behind Brittney Sykes' game-high 27 points and strong bench production totaling 42 points. Toronto narrowed the gap to two points with under three minutes remaining, but crucial free throws by Plum and Cameron Brink sealed the win for Los Angeles. The Sparks also dominated in the paint, outscoring Toronto 54-30. This victory improves the Sparks' record to 1-2, while the Tempo falls to 1-2 in their inaugural season. The two teams are scheduled to meet again on Sunday in Los Angeles.
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