'Career-high 13 points + first 3-pointer successful' Park Ji-hyun delivers best performance since joining WNBA! Plays over 22 minutes, records 1 steal

*This content was translated by AI.

Park Ji-hyun (26, LA Sparks), a star player for Korean women's basketball, showcased her most dazzling performance since her WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) debut, dominating the court. However, the team's defeat dimmed her shine.

On the 18th (Korean time), Park did not start in the 2026 WNBA regular-season home game against the Minnesota Lynx held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, USA, but she played for a remarkable 22 minutes and 2 seconds, recording 13 points and 1 steal. Despite committing 2 turnovers and 3 personal fouls, she shattered her single-game career high in points since joining the WNBA (previously 2 points), leaving a strong impression.

On this day, Park was substituted in whenever the team faced a crisis, delivering invaluable performances. Making her first court appearance with 1 minute and 38 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Park attempted a fadeaway shot but missed.

Park's full offensive firepower kicked off in the second quarter. After a bold drive following the start of the second quarter, she scored her first points with a layup. She briefly allowed a score due to a passing error but immediately recovered with a cut-in layup on the next possession, demonstrating persistent concentration. Returning to the court in the latter half of the third quarter, she successfully made a mid-range jump shot, followed by calmly sinking both free throws earned from a foul, steadily accumulating points.

The highlight came in the fourth quarter. With 7 minutes and 10 seconds remaining in the game, Park launched a three-point shot, hitting her first 3-pointer since her WNBA debut. Riding the momentum, Park stole the opponent's ball on defense with 2 minutes and 13 seconds left, then scored with a running layup on a fast break, displaying fighting spirit until the final moments.

However, despite Park's 'career-high' performance, the LA Sparks could not celebrate. Ray Burrell scored 19 points with 3 assists, and Deica Hamby contributed 12 points and 9 rebounds, but it was not enough.

In contrast, the Minnesota Lynx displayed explosive firepower. Olivia Miles alone poured in 31 points, neutralizing the LA defense, while starters Natasha Howard (15 points, 9 rebounds), Kayla McBride (14 points), and Courtney Williams (13 points) all delivered consistent performances.

Ultimately, the LA Sparks, unable to overcome the absence of their starters, lost to Minnesota 83-99.

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*This content was translated by AI.