| Dominant Performance by Stevens |
In a tightly contested game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Azura Stevens delivered a commanding performance with a 21‑point, 12‑rebound double‑double, spearheading the Los Angeles Sparks’ dramatic 89‑87 win over the Indiana Fever on July 5, 2025. Her influence spanned offense and defense — scoring crucial baskets and securing pivotal boards, particularly in the closing seconds.
| Rival Stats Comparison |
- Stevens: 21 pts, 12 rebs — key double‑double
- Kelsey Plum: 20 pts — all important offensively.
- Rickea Jackson: 15 pts, including go‑ahead bucket.
- Dearica Hamby: 18 pts — solid inside presence.
- Indiana’s top efforts: Aliyah Boston with 23 pts, 12 rebs; Natasha Howard with 21 pts, 9 rebs; Kelsey Mitchell with 19 pts.
| High‑Drama Fourth Quarter |
The game remained neck‑and‑neck throughout. The Sparks’ biggest lead was just three points early on, while the Fever responded with an eight‑point edge in the third quarter. But in the fourth quarter, Rickea Jackson delivered the decisive layup with just 57.4 seconds left to give LA an 88‑87 lead. With the final shot, Stevens blocked Aliyah Boston’s attempt, grabbed the rebound, and hit a free throw with 3.3 seconds to seal the win.
| Strategic Impact of Stevens |
Stevens’ combination of scoring and rebounding proved invaluable in a game where every possession was critical. Her presence in both the paint and on the glass not only limited the Fever’s second‑chance opportunities but also ignited LA’s tempo and frontcourt control. That defensive rebound and free‑throw late in the game underscored her composure under pressure.
| Supporting Cast Delivers |
Supporting stars stepped up big:
- Kelsey Plum scored 20 points, including a string of seven consecutive third‑quarter points, keeping the Sparks within striking distance entering the final stanza.
- Dearica Hamby (18 pts) and Rickea Jackson (15 pts) were essential contributors, with Jackson also delivering the go‑ahead bucket. Their balanced scoring helped offset Indiana’s evenly distributed attack.
| Fever’s Resilience & Misses |
Despite missing star Caitlin Clark due to a groin injury (her fifth straight game out), the Fever looked formidable. Aliyah Boston posted 23 pts, 12 rebs; Natasha Howard reached 2,000 career rebounds with 21 pts, 9 rebs; and Kelsey Mitchell poured in 19 pts, including her 600th career 3‑pointer. Still, Indiana couldn’t close it out — missing their last five shots, including four in the final minute.
| Standings & Season Context |
This thrilling win bumped the Sparks to 6‑13, while the Fever sit at 9‑9, just outside playoff contention. The victory marks two wins for LA in nine days over Indiana, highlighting improved consistency.For Indiana, it’s another upset chance lost without Caitlin Clark.
| What’s Next |
- Indiana hosts the Golden State on Wednesday.
- LA returns home to face Minnesota on Thursday.
These back‑to‑back crucial matchups offer both teams the chance to build momentum — the Sparks seeking confidence, and the Fever aiming to rebound.
| Closing Takeaway |
Azura Stevens showed why she remains one of the league’s most powerful post players — delivering a late-game double‑double, anchoring the defense, and showing poise under fire. Combined with strong sidekick performances from Plum, Hamby, and Jackson, her game-winning play capped off a strikingly competitive night.
For the Sparks, this tight win reflects promising resilience and floor leadership. For the Fever, it’s a nail in the “close-loss” column that could hurt long-term without their rookie phenom back from injury. Fans of both teams will be watching closely over the next week — but tonight, Stevens led the charge, and the Sparks reaped the reward.
