You’ve got to love the vibe when the Chicago Sky and the Los Angeles Sparks meet up. Honestly, forget the standings for a second. When these two teams step on the floor, it’s not just a game; it’s basically a glimpse into where the WNBA is headed.
Last season, specifically that June 29 matchup at Crypto.com Arena, was a total fever dream. Think about it. Candace Parker—a legend for both franchises—is watching from the sidelines as her No. 3 jersey goes into the rafters. It’s emotional. It’s heavy. And then, right in the middle of that nostalgia, Angel Reese goes out and decides to break a record that had people comparing her to Kevin Garnett.
She put up 24 points and 16 rebounds. That was her fourth straight game with 15+ boards, a WNBA record. Doing that while Lisa Leslie and CP3 are in the building? That’s some scripted-level drama. The Sky ended up taking that one 92-85, but the score barely tells the story of how physical and intense the matchup has become.
The Angel Reese and Rickea Jackson Factor
It’s impossible to talk about the Chicago Sky los angeles sparks dynamic without looking at the 2024 draft class. These two teams are essentially building their entire identities around young stars who don't care about "waiting their turn."
Rickea Jackson is a bucket. Pure and simple. Last season she averaged nearly 15 points a game for the Sparks, showing a level of mid-range polish that most vets still haven't mastered. She’s the quiet killer. Then you have Angel Reese on the other side, who is anything but quiet on the court. She’s a double-double machine who has turned rebounding into a high-art form.
Why the 2025 Matchups Changed Everything
- The Rebound War: In their June meeting, both teams finished with exactly 35 rebounds. It was a stalemate in the paint.
- Kelsey Plum’s Arrival: Seeing Plum in a Sparks jersey still feels a bit weird to some, but her 22-point performance against Chicago proved she’s the veteran engine LA desperately needed.
- Kamilla Cardoso's Presence: At 6'7", Cardoso changes the geometry of the court. Even when she’s not scoring, she’s making Sparks guards second-guess every drive.
The reality is that both teams are in a sort of "accelerated rebuild." The Sparks dealt with a massive blow when Cameron Brink went down with that ACL tear early in her rookie year, but Azurá Stevens stepped up in a way that honestly saved their season. Stevens averaged 12.8 points and 8 rebounds, proving she’s more than just a backup—she’s a foundational piece.
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What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
People tend to look at the Chicago Sky los angeles sparks history and think it’s just two teams struggling to find their post-championship footing. That’s a lazy take.
The Sky aren't just "post-Candace Parker" anymore. They are a team that plays with a chip on their shoulder the size of the Sears Tower. Under the leadership of players like Ariel Atkins, who dropped 20 in that June win, and the veteran stability of Elizabeth Williams, they’ve developed a defensive identity that is frankly annoying to play against. They muck up the game. They make you work for every single inch of hardwood.
On the flip side, the Sparks are trying to blend Lynne Roberts’ offensive schemes with the high-octane scoring of Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby. Hamby was a revelation last year, averaging over 18 points and nearly 8 rebounds. She’s playing the best basketball of her career right now.
The Roster Shifts for 2026
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, things are getting complicated. We have an expansion draft on the horizon with the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire joining the league. This means the Sparks and Sky can only protect five players.
For LA, the "locks" are pretty obvious:
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- Kelsey Plum (assuming she re-signs in free agency).
- Dearica Hamby.
- Rickea Jackson.
- Cameron Brink.
- The fifth spot? That’s the headache. Do you keep Julie Allemand for her playmaking or Azurá Stevens for her size?
Chicago has a similar puzzle. You’re obviously keeping Reese and Cardoso. Ariel Atkins is a mainstay. But what happens with the guard rotation? Hailey Van Lith and Maddy Westbeld showed flashes last year, but the Sky are still hunting for that one elite floor general to tie the whole thing together.
The Tactical Chess Match
When you watch these two play, pay attention to the transition game. The Sparks love to run. They want to get Plum in space where she can pull up from three or find Hamby on the block before the defense sets.
Chicago wants the exact opposite. They want to slow you down, force you into a half-court grind, and then let Reese and Cardoso feast on offensive rebounds. In their 92-85 win, the Sky shot 48.5% from the field—which is high for them—but it was their 88.2% from the free-throw line that actually iced the game.
It's kinda funny how a game defined by "star power" often comes down to who can hit their free throws in a loud Crypto.com Arena.
Key Stats from the Last Major Meeting
- Field Goal %: Sky (48.5%) vs. Sparks (41.7%)
- Points off Turnovers: Sky (18) vs. Sparks (11)
- Fast Break Points: Sparks (19) vs. Sky (12)
The Sparks won the transition battle, but the Sky won the "efficiency" battle. That’s been the trend. If you let Chicago get comfortable in their sets, you’re toast. If the Sparks can turn the game into a track meet, they usually come out on top.
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What to Watch for Next
If you’re a fan or a bettor looking at the next Chicago Sky los angeles sparks game, keep your eyes on the injury reports and the overseas updates. Right now, Nine Sky players are playing abroad or in domestic leagues like Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited.
Kamilla Cardoso is absolutely tearing it up in China (WCBA), recently putting up a 23-point, 17-rebound game. She’s coming back to the WNBA with even more confidence. Meanwhile, Kelsey Plum is using the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league to work on her "high paint game" and defensive screening.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Paint: If Cardoso and Reese combine for more than 25 rebounds, the Sky almost never lose.
- The "Plum" Meter: If Kelsey Plum is held under 5 assists, the Sparks' offense tends to stagnate into a lot of one-on-one play.
- Rookie Growth: Keep an eye on the 2026 Draft. The Sky have the No. 5 pick and are desperate for a guard. Whoever they land will immediately change the dynamic of this rivalry.
The next time these two teams meet, don't just look at the highlights. Look at the bench energy. Look at how the young players are communicating. The "W" is growing, and the epicenter of that growth is happening right between Chicago and Los Angeles.