Sparks hold off late Toronto Tempo rally, earn first win of season

Sparks star Kelsey Plum gestures during the first half against the Toronto Tempo at Crypto. com Arena on Friday night. (Luiza Moraes / Getty Images) The Sparks are finally in the win column, but the outcome was in doubt late Friday night.

Behind double-digit scoring from all five starters, the Sparks had by far their best offensive showing of the season, shooting 63. 8% during a 99-95 win over the expansion Toronto Tempo. The Tempo didn’t make things easy, cutting the deficit to two points late and later trailing by just three with 31 seconds remaining and possession of the ball.

Marina Mabrey missed a three-point attempt before late Tempo fouls gave the Sparks enough of a cushion to win. Kelsey Plum nearly claimed a double-double with 27 points and nine assists, while Dearica Hamby had 19 points with seven rebounds and Nneka Ogwumike scored 20 points. Read more: Lisa Leslie moved as she becomes the first Sparks star with statue outside Crypto.

com Arena Erica Wheeler , who started in place of Ariel Atkins (concussion), scored 10 points with seven assists and was a plus-16 as the primary ball handler after starting the season two for 16 from the field. That freed up Plum to be in position to score, setting up a much more efficient Sparks offense. Toronto was shorthanded in the frontcourt without starting center Temi Fagbenle (right shoulder), and the Sparks trio of bigs had a field day with 54 points in the paint.