When Stevens Shines, Sparks Soar — and Their Playoff Hopes Stay Alive

Juile Vanloo, Azura Stevens, coach Lynne Roberts, and Rickea Jackson look on as the Los Angeles Sparks win of the Dallas Wings on Sunday. Photo by Jackie Rae

Going into tonight’s game, Los Angeles Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts made it clear that the team’s success is tied to Azurá Stevens. Although Stevens had struggled in recent outings, Roberts expressed confidence she would find her rhythm.

"To be our best, we need her to be a factor. The games where we’ve played well she’s played well. With Azurá, when she plays with a little edge, and some bounce in her steps, she’s pretty damn good,” Roberts said.

Roberts added that when a player hits a slump, it’s often up to them to pull themselves out. Early in the first quarter, Stevens showed signs of doing just that. She tallied four points, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal, helping the Sparks to a 17-10 lead.

At the top of the second quarter Stevens hit her first three. By the end of the half, Stevens led all scorers with 11 points and the Sparks held a commanding lead of 43-33.

Late in the third quarter, Myisha Hines-Allen and Paige Bueckers sparked a rally for the Wings, trimming the gap to three after Bueckers hit two free throws. But Julie Allemand answered with a triple of her own to give Los Angeles a 66-64 lead heading into the final frame. The Sparks carried that momentum into the fourth quarter.

With under six minutes left, Los Angeles held an 80-64 lead, thanks in large part to Stevens, who secured a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. She proved her coach right — when she plays well, the Sparks follow.

Stevens said the difference came down to her mindset. “I think the last few games I kind of just got in my head,” she admitted.

“I know I’m a big part of this team just like everybody is, but I know when I come out aggressive, even if I’m not making shots, it still puts pressure on the defense.” 

Stevens credited her teammates for keeping her confident and helping her get past her mental hurdle. And she’s right — every member of the roster is vital, especially with the playoff race tightening.

Earlier tonight, the Indiana Fever secured a 94-65 win over the Washington Mystics and officially clinched a playoff spot. That leaves the Sparks just one game behind the Seattle Storm, who next face the sixth-seeded Golden State Valkyries.

The Sparks now turn their focus to Arizona, where they’ll face the fourth-place Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday in another must-win matchup. They’ll close the season against the third-place Las Vegas Aces on Thursday — a game that could determine whether Los Angeles controls its own destiny and secures its first playoff berth since 2020.