Dearica Hamby is continuing her stellar performance for Sparks while Aari McDonald helps LA break its losing streak.

Los Angeles Sparks have had an inauspicious 2018-19 campaign so far, yet have seen moments of light during an otherwise dark time of their history.
Dearica Hamby has continued her reign as Los Angeles Sparks star player, leading them to victory against Las Vegas Aces 98-93 in overtime on Friday to end an eight-game losing streak and break their eight-game skid. Here is all that good has happened recently for Los Angeles:

Dearica Hamby, Olympian
While Cameron Brink’s absence may not have been ideal for Team USA in Paris this summer, her absence has opened the door for Dearica Hamby to take up her Olympic position – not as an alternative but to represent Team USA herself instead! Hamby will assume her place and represent them all through Paris.

Jay Demmings, national team director and member of USA Basketball 3×3 women’s selection committee issued the following statement regarding this change:
Dearica Hamby is delighted to join Dearica Brink as part of the USA 3×3 Women’s National Team and looks forward to contributing as soon as she begins recovering. USA Basketball continues to send our thoughts and best wishes as Cameron Brink works toward recovery.
Hamby has been having her best season yet with the Sparks, averaging 18.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game — career best numbers in both areas of statistical measurement. Not only has Hamby been appreciated by Southern California fans this season; USA Basketball as well as her peers within the WNBA has taken notice and honored her by selecting her for her third All-Star squad.

Hamby has taken her game to another level and it is refreshing that this stellar play has been recognized. This moment should be celebrated, especially since our team hasn’t had much cause for celebration lately.
Although personal accolades are rewarding, the Sparks have suffered plenty of defeat recently. Going into Friday night’s matchup against the Aces on an eight-game losing streak wasn’t exactly ideal and facing a team like them fresh off six consecutive wins shouldn’t guarantee them victory either.

Plum was not aggressive against McDonald, who quickly made her presence known on court – something which contributed to the Sparks beating the Aces for the second time this season.

What’s Next for LA? mes Los Angeles Sparks may appear doomed at this stage, yet have made strides forward with Hamby signing an extension through 2025 and McDonald helping lead LA to victory against one of WNBA’s premier squads – in their hard fought loss on October 10.
Who knows? Maybe the Sparks can end July strong and then come out swinging after Olympic break to try for that eighth and final playoff position? They’re only two and half games back from Indiana Fever from claiming this berth; even one win can turn your fortunes around; these Sparks hadn’t had one victory in almost 30 days before this win propelled me closer towards thinking there could be an eighth place matchup with No. 1.
Deluded optimism can be beneficial.