The Phoenix Mercury edged out the Los Angeles Sparks with a score of 86-82 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The game took place during a themed night featuring Spider-Man and a family-friendly atmosphere. While the Sparks started strong, the game remained neck-and-neck throughout, with the final minutes deciding the winner. The home team's bench briefly celebrated a half-time buzzer-beater, which briefly gave them a slight edge.
Los Angeles forward Dearica Hamby made several notable contributions, including a contested layup and a decisive scoring move that showcased her physical play. Guard Rae Burrell was equally impactful, making key shots with pull-up jumpers and displaying a tough, assertive style of play. Despite their efforts, the Sparks were unable to maintain the lead.
One of the more dramatic moments came when Burrell was shoved to the ground during a critical play. The referee did not call a foul, which sparked some controversy. While the play didn't alter the game’s result, it underscored the intensity and physicality of the match.
The Mercury’s defense tightened in the final minutes, allowing them to secure the win. The four-point margin reflects how closely contested the game was. With the Sparks falling short in their own arena, the disappointment was palpable for the home crowd, who had hoped for a different outcome despite a spirited effort.
In other key moments, forward Nneka Ogwumike executed a driving play to the middle of the court for a mid-range jumper, and forward Cameron Brink managed a tough, contested layup. Burrell also showed her ability to fight for loose balls, particularly in transition, and scored with a fast-break pull-up jumper.
The Sparks continued to put up a strong fight, but the Mercury’s clutch defensive plays in the closing moments were the difference. Despite the narrow loss, the Sparks’ performance, especially with players like Hamby and Burrell, gave them a chance to stay competitive on the scoreboard and keep the game exciting for fans.
These photos, taken by The Sporting Tribune’s Robert Talamantes, capture the energy and action from the game, including key plays and fan moments. The contest offered a thrilling, back-and-forth experience that demonstrated the competitive spirit of WNBA basketball.