“I haven’t been with the team long, but each practice, each game, I’m getting better,” Sims said.

“We gotta just muscle up and be mentally tough to handle it,” Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts reminded the team.

"At this point of the season, every game matters," said Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts

From her long-shot three-pointers to buzzer-beaters in college, Clark became a fan favorite. But she also became a flashpoint for racists and homophobic fans to share their ideals. 

Beyond the 93-78 loss, the game at the historic United Center in front of 19,600 fans represented a win for women's sports.

The message between the team is simple: play as a team. There's no room for selfishness; they should remind themselves of that now instead of later.