Rickea, Hamby & Plum Survive Seattle’s Nneka Apocalypse in Double OT

Seattle had the crowd. Seattle had Nneka Ogwumike in full Sentry mode. Seattle had the nostalgia — “bring back the NBA” energy in the building.

But Los Angeles? LA had Rickea Jackson refusing to go away, Kelsey Plum casually ruining her own homecoming crowd, and Dearica Hamby serving game-winning buckets like appetizers.

And after 50 minutes of chaos, they had a 108–106 win in the first double-overtime game of the WNBA season.

Rickea Was the Spark

Rickea didn’t just score. Jackson willed this team into survival mode. Jackson had another monster game on the road and helped the Sparks steal this win. Jackson finished with 27 points, grabbed nine boards, and lived in the paint like she was paying the mortgage there.

 

“It means a lot for my coaches and my teammates to trust in me in these crucial moments. I just want to win for them… I’m going to make sure I make this bucket.”

When Seattle made runs, Rickea answered.

When it looked like Seattle might get away, she tied it. Twice. The woman basically sent the game to overtime on pure stubbornness.

 

“We’re all just fearless. It’s not just me, it’s anybody. I’m proud of this team and glad we got this win, said jackson.”

Hamby’s Big-Girl Game

Hamby wasn’t subtle about it.

She went straight to work — 21 points, 13 boards, and the game-winner with 4.3 seconds left in double-OT.

It wasn’t just about the points; it was her timing. When the Sparks needed a bucket, she delivered. When they needed a rebound, she went and got it. When they needed a dagger, she put it in.

Lynne Roberts knew exactly why.

“We are able to eliminate distractions on the road… this was a great win. To be able to do it on the road with this crowd in double overtime, it’s a great confidence boost.”

Plum’s Washington Homecoming

Kelsey Plum came back to her old stomping grounds in Seattle and made sure it felt like hers. She gave them 22 points, 7 assists, and zero mercy.

“We just don’t get rattled… everyone made clutch plays. Everyone stayed super aggressive. That’s when we’re at our best.”

She hit threes, she got to the line, she fed teammates in rhythm. And she looked annoyingly comfortable doing it in front of the same fans who once cheered her at Washington.

Even Gabby Williams had to tip the cap to the fight this team showed.

“It’s just complete mental toughness.”

Nneka’s Historic Night

Seattle didn’t lose because Nneka didn’t show up — she showed up with the receipts:

37 points, 12 rebounds, 14-25 FG

 

First player in WNBA history to hit 7,000 career points while shooting at least 50% from the field.

 

Joins Lauren Jackson and Breanna Stewart as the only Storm with a 35/10 game.

 

Made at least 10 field goals in a game for the ninth time this season — passing Napheesa Collier for the league lead.

Noelle Quinn made it clear — Nneka’s greatness isn’t just a stat line.

“I didn’t even get to congratulate Nneka for 7000… she continues to exceed. We have to talk about her more… nothing short of amazing… she’s one of the best players, if not the best player on our team.”

Quinn Wants Calls — and Might Get a Fine Instead

If Noelle Quinn’s wallet feels lighter this week, it’s because she told the truth.

“Maybe I have to come up here and rant and rave for us to get respect… 43 minutes and 0 FT’s is bullshit, period… I saw with my own eyes it go off the opponent and they said there’s not enough camera angles to change the call.”

On top of that, she wasn’t just talking about one player.

“It’s not just Dom, it’s Gabby, Nneka, it’s Ezi, it’s our entire team… If that’s what it’s going to take to get calls I have to do it… We’re not foul merchants… We just play basketball.”

This wasn’t a game LA “won.”

This was a game LA stole from a team whose best player just made history. The Sparks walked out with 58 rebounds, a road win, and the satisfaction of making Nneka’s masterpiece a footnote.

That’s a flex.