The Phoenix Mercury are getting set to travel to Los Angeles for the first time this season to visit the Sparks. These two teams have faced off twice in Phoenix this season, with the Mercury coming out victorious on their home court both times. Now, the Mercury will make their first trip to Los Angeles this season on Sunday to play their third game in the four-game season series.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Despite coming up short both times, there was one constant through it all — Dearica Hamby.
Of course Dearica gets us started. @dearicamarie x #TheNewClassic pic.twitter.com/BGoztE8uKV
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) July 6, 2024
“[Dearica] Hamby’s pretty good,” Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts said when asked about what he’s learned from the Sparks this season. “We’re going to have to be ready to guard her, they do a great job defensively. They really protect the rim, they pull over, we’re going to have second side 3’s.”
Hamby has averaged 26 points on 68% from the field in two matchups versus the Mercury this season. On the season, the now three-time All-Star has averaged 18.3 points and 10.3 rebounds, putting her scoring versatility on full display.
“Dearica [Hamby] is playing unbelievable basketball,” said Mercury guard Diana Taurasi. “I’ve never seen someone improve leaps and bounds like she has in the last four, five years. Doing what she did in [Las] Vegas, and now she’s one of the premier post players in our league. I think she’s the prototype going forward that can do it all.”
Kia Nurse persevered through ACL injury in Phoenix, blossoming as leader for Sparks
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Justin LaCertosa covers Phoenix Sports News for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @LaCertosaSports
