Sparks Rally Past Aces in 4th Quarter, Curt Miller Advocates for Pride Night
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Sparks staged a remarkable comeback in the fourth quarter to secure a thrilling 96-92 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena. The game was not just about the on-court action, as Sparks head coach Curt Miller used the platform to highlight the significance of Pride Night in the sports world.
As the only openly gay male head coach in Division I men’s or women’s college basketball, the NBA, or WNBA for the past 22 years, Miller underscored the importance of providing visibility and representation to LGBTQ+ coaches and athletes in the basketball community. His advocacy for inclusivity and diversity resonated as the Sparks mounted a late-game surge to claim their second consecutive win.
The Aces, led by A’ja Wilson’s dominant performance with 31 points, put up a strong fight throughout the game. However, a resilient Sparks team, fueled by clutch plays from Rae Burrell and Rickea Jackson, managed to turn the tide in the final minutes. Burrell’s back-to-back 3-pointers and Jackson’s critical and-one play were instrumental in securing the victory for the Sparks.
Dearica Hamby’s double-double performance, alongside Jackson’s career-high tying 16 points, showcased the depth and resilience of the Sparks squad. Despite facing a formidable opponent in the defending champion Aces, the Sparks overcame significant deficits and capitalized on key opportunities to emerge victorious.
Looking ahead, the Sparks will embark on a challenging road trip, facing off against tough opponents in the coming weeks. With a renewed sense of confidence and unity, the team aims to build on their recent successes and continue their journey towards playoff contention in the competitive WNBA landscape.