Sparks

If one word sums up the Sparks’ season so far, it’s hardship.

With both teams in similar stages of growth and aiming to build lasting foundations, the Sparks and the Golden State Valkyries have shown just how slim the gap is between them.

When the Sparks faced the Phoenix Mercury last month, the game ended with a failed Sparks comeback.

If the musicians’ visibility and viability has shifted, Sparks’ music remains inventive, brainy and flamboyant pop, often born of sunshiny moments and wistful memories that wend their way into lyrics.

Plum and Hamby combined for 39 points to rally the Sparks from a 40–31 halftime hole.