Azurá Stevens is making her case for Most Improved — and keeping the Sparks’ playoff hopes alive

Azurá Setevns against Washington Mystics, July 15. Photo by Jackie Rae

The race for the eighth and final WNBA playoff spot remains razor-thin. The Seattle Storm currently hold the position at 17-17, with the Los Angeles Sparks (16-17) close behind. The Washington Mystics (15-18) are also still in the hunt.

The tight race makes Sunday’s matchup between the Sparks and the Mystics not only a must win for both teams —but also another opportunity for Azurá Stevens to strengthen her case for the Most Improved Player award.

One-On-One Interview with Azurá Stevens with Jackie Rae

Stevens is putting together the best season of her career—posting personal highs in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks—while shooting a career-best 41.7% from three-point range and over 50% from the field. Her numbers are undeniable, but her leadership on a young Sparks roster has been equally important.

When asked about her standout year, Stevens said, “My goal is to just help the team as much as I can.” She has done that both on and off the floor, embracing a leadership role on a roster still finding its identity.

“Just trying to be consistent,” she said. “I know vets I had growing up in the league, they were consistent so that’s something I’ve tried to bring this year.” Stevens added that knowing what to expect from teammates every night helps elevate the group.

That elevation is exactly what the Sparks need as they push to make the postseason for the first time since 2020. Despite tough losses to the Golden State Valkyries and New York Liberty, Stevens believes the team is trending upward.

“We’ve definitely had our growing pains, and we’re not anywhere near perfect now,” she said. “We’re seeing signs of, kind of a continuation from last year, and how some of the seeds that we planted, and seeing those kind of come to fruition this year.”

Sunday’s games include the Seattle Storm facing the fourth place Phoenix Sunday’s slate also features the Seattle Storm against the fourth-place Phoenix Mercury. A Storm loss would drop them to 17-18. If the Sparks beat Washington, they would move to 17-17—still short of locking up a playoff spot, but one step closer.

Tipoff for Sunday’s action is set for 12 p.m. PT, with games airing on ESPN3 and WNBA League Pass.