Jun 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Sparks forward Azura Stevens (23) is defended by Seattle Storm forward Alysha Clark (32) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Storm's Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike Dismantle Shorthanded Sparks

Originally posted on Los Angeles Sparks on SI
By Ben Geffner | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 12:15 AM ET

Despite strong offensive efforts from Rickea Jackson, Sarah Ashlee Barker and Azurá Stevens, the Los Angeles Sparks dropped their second consecutive contest — a 98-67 loss to the Seattle Storm at Crypto.com Arena — on Tuesday night.

The trio served as the only players to post double-digit points for the purple and gold in the defeat.

Stevens poured in 16 points, 10 rebounds and three steals in 24 minutes, while Jackson logged a team-high 17 points and two steals in 36 minutes. Barker added 12 points and seven rebounds on efficient 4-for-5 shooting from beyond the arc.

Rickea Jackson ahead of Sparks vs Storm.

She poured in a career-high 30 points + 11 made field goals in last Wednesday’s win over the Aces — along with 18 points in Saturday’s loss to Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/ovgYgY6h21
— Ben Geffner (@BenGeffner) June 18, 2025

Led by a flurry of early scores, the Storm raced out to 26-19 lead after 10 minutes that was never contested. Seattle outscored Los Angeles in all four frames — highlighted by a 28-14 road scoring run in the third quarter that eventually ballooned the advantage to 30-plus.

Seattle's Gabby Williams recorded four steals in the first quarter alone, becoming the first player in franchise history with at least four steals in three straight games, per a release.

The league's 2025 leader in steals capped the first half with six takeaways, tying her career-high for single-game steals while matching the most steals in a game by any WNBA player thus far this season.

Azurá Stevens is ON A MISSION against Seattle. Huge steal away from Nneka Ogwumike + a shooting foul on the other end.

Stevens already with 10 points and seven rebounds just minutes into Q3.

pic.twitter.com/iFhk5wgjrk
— LA Sports Report (@LA_SportsReport) June 18, 2025

She finished the game with 11 points, seven assists and eight steals.

Furthermore, red-hot scoring by Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike maintained the controlled road pace offensively while gradually building the Storm lead against the shorthanded Sparks' backcourt.

Left-handed layup by Grace Berger taken back by refs due to an offensive foul call.

Berger still looking for her first-ever basket in a Sparks uniform.

Seattle leads LA, 47-37, at the half. pic.twitter.com/gA94mHD8PG
— LA Sports Report (@LA_SportsReport) June 18, 2025

Ogwumike led with a game-high 26 points on 12-for-16 shooting. Diggins added 15 points and seven assists.

NEWS: Sparks provide Tuesday night starters, an update on Kelsey Plum’s injury status + more ahead of LA vs Seattle.

More from @BenGeffner: https://t.co/ul9dafJiuN
— LA Sports Report (@LA_SportsReport) June 18, 2025

The Sparks' look to reenter the win column against the Minnesota Lynx this Saturday, the start of a three-game road trip before returning home to face the Chicago Sky on June 29.

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

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