Los Angeles \u2013 Double-doubles from Nneka Ogwumike and Dearica Hamby and a strong third quarter paved the way for the Los Angeles Sparks\u2019 89-72 win over the Portland Fire Sunday, for just their second home win of the season.<\/p>\n
Ogwumike had 20 points and 17 rebounds and Hamby, 22 points and 12 rebounds to help the hosts snap a three-game losing streak and in turn, hand the visitors their third consecutive loss. Megan Gustafson lead the way for Portland, with 16 points.<\/p>\n
The Fire went into halftime with a 43-41 advantage. But LA opened the third quarter on a tear, forcing their opponents into nine turnovers, stealing the ball six times, and outscoring them 23-12. Portland never got closer than nine points the rest of the way.<\/p>\n
Sparks coach Lynne Roberts said her team didn\u2019t do anything at halftime but \u201clock into the game plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m proud of their effort defensively,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen we focus on the discipline in doing the little things for each other, that\u2019s when you build trust. (Tonight) it was us choosing to do it for 40 minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ogwumike said the team focused on execution and defense \u2013 especially at the beginning of the third period.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe bought into that and started getting stops,\u201d she said. \u201cWe were motivated and we were playing for each other. Offense is offense, but defense is really where it\u2019s at. And I think we did a good job of not leaving any gas in the tank on defense.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fire coach Alex Sarama called the game, \u201ca tale of two halves,\u201d and said his team became frustrated by their turnovers \u2013 three of which occurred in the first minute of the third quarter.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt didn\u2019t feel like we were palms down players\u2026.it felt like there were times when we were palms up,\u201d he said. \u201cThat lead to the spiral we saw in the third.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sarah Ashlee Barker, who had six points and seven assists, said the team got frustrated with the turnovers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho we are as a team is togetherness and relentlessness, and when things didn\u2019t go our way, we soaked in it and went our separate ways,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Sarama said he challenged the team in the locker room for the first time this season, because \u201cI trust them so much and I know what they\u2019re capable of.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gustafson said part of the issue for Portland is that they are the only team that has played 13 games so far, which has left them too little time to regroup.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are one of the teams who haven\u2019t had a few days off in between games to practice,\u201d she said. \u201cOn the one hand\u2026..it\u2019s good. But in our situation, we\u2019ve had a few games where we realize we have things to work on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barker said she and her teammates look forward to the practice time, as they don\u2019t play again until Thursday.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing able to stay together and connected is what\u2019s going to win us games, and we\u2019re going to get back to it, because that\u2019s what Portland basketball is,\u201d Barker said.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/womenshoopsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/JP96372-1.jpg?ssl=1\")
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