On August 24, in a WNBA regular season game, the Sparks lost 74-80 to the Mystics on the road, suffering their sixth consecutive defeat.
In this game, the two teams remained closely matched for a long time, with scores going back and forth, and the lead changing hands. However, in the final quarter, the Mystics opened with a 10-0 run successfully widening the gap. The Sparks suddenly faltered and ultimately could not turn the tide. Facing the similarly struggling Mystics, the Sparks still failed to stop their losing streak, indicating significant issues within the team.
Li Yu’er played as a substitute for 18 minutes and 35 seconds in this game, making only 1 of 4 shots, including 0 of 2 from three-point range, and 2 of 2 free throws, scoring just 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and committing 3 fouls, with a plus-minus of -4.
Interestingly, only one player from the Sparks scored in double digits in this game. Jackson, starting and shooting 6 of 11, got the highest score of 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist for the team. Hambi, who was highly expected, scored 9 points and grabbed 10 rebounds on 4 of 10 shooting. In the previous game against the Sun, Hambi also contributed 9 points and 10 rebounds. The Sparks had a chance to win the last game but collapsed at the end, with only two players scoring in double digits, demonstrating a lack of ability to withstand pressure in crucial moments.
