Jul 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Julie Allemand (20), forward Rickea Jackson (2), forward Dearica Hamby (5), guard Kelsey Plum (10) and forward Azura Stevens (23) look on during the second half against the Washington Mystics at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Sparks' Forward Silences Media After WNBA All-Star Snub

Originally posted on Los Angeles Sparks on SI
By Ben Geffner | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 10:02 PM ET

Los Angeles Sparks' star guard Kelsey Plum was selected as a 2025 WNBA All-Star on July 6 — her fourth straight event appearance.

However, despite a myriad of campaigning by the Sparks for forwards Dearica Hamby, Azurá Stevens and other hopeful WNBA All-Star representatives, only Plum was eventually selected to the July 19 event at Indiana's Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The race to Indy for All-Star continues! ️

Vote for your Sparks today: https://t.co/GLWTtjZCDf pic.twitter.com/TGGTlhdmQK
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) June 16, 2025

Following Los Angeles' 92-88 victory over Connecticut on July 13 — that snapped the Sparks' 13-game losing streak against the Sun dating back nearly five years — Stevens discussed feeling underrated as a player and overall recognition.

She recorded her seventh double-double of the season, pouring in 21 points and 11 rebounds while matching her career high of seven offensive rebounds.

FINAL — Sparks: 92, Sun: 88

LA survives a late Connecticut comeback to claim its first home win in nearly two months. Plum and Stevens combined for 44 points in the victory.

Jackson and Hamby added 19 and 17, respectively. pic.twitter.com/WhOgHhgQOb
— Ben Geffner (@BenGeffner) July 14, 2025

"I don't play for [recognition]. I play for the team. I play for the Sparks. I play for my family, myself, just to go out and put on a good show and be consistent," Stevens said. "That's been one of my goals coming into this year, is to be consistent.

"So, respectfully, I don't care what the media thinks," she added. "I'm just trying to do my job and play hard for these guys and for other people.”

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Sparks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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