'4th quarter only: 19-point lead → 1-point gap' LA Sparks mount furious comeback... Park Ji-hyun records '3-pointer assist' in just 5 minutes

*This content was translated by AI.

The LA Sparks mounted a fierce comeback, narrowing a deficit that had once reached 19 points down to just one point, but ultimately failed to turn the game around. Park Ji-hyun, the 'ace' of Korean women's basketball, recorded an assist by setting up a teammate for a 3-pointer despite playing only about five minutes.

On the 10th (Korea time), the Sparks lost 78-84 to the Golden State Valkyries in a regular-season WNBA home game held in Los Angeles, California, USA.

With this loss, the Sparks finished with a record of 12 wins and 19 losses for the season. Meanwhile, the Valkyries extended their winning streak to four games, improving to 23 wins and 9 losses.

Park Ji-hyun played about five minutes and recorded one assist, helping teammate Erica Wheeler on a 3-pointer in the second quarter. However, she missed all three of her field goal attempts, including one 3-point shot.

Golden State's offense was fierce from the start. The Valkyries made 12 of their 18 field goal attempts in the first quarter to seize early control. In particular, Cecilia Zandalasini sank all three of her 3-pointers to score nine points. Golden State led 29-15 at the end of the first quarter.

The Sparks struggled to close the gap afterward. Just 24 seconds into the fourth quarter, they allowed a layup from Caitlin Chen, falling behind by their largest margin of the day at 47-66, a 19-point deficit.

Although the game appeared lost, the Sparks did not collapse. Instead, they raised their focus in the final minutes and launched a terrifying comeback.

While Golden State scored eight points, the Sparks erupted for 26 points to quickly narrow the gap. With 1 minute and 38 seconds remaining, Ariel Atkins sank a decisive 3-pointer to bring the score to 73-74, cutting the deficit to just one point. The atmosphere at the Los Angeles home arena also grew intensely hot.

But the Sparks could not overcome the final hurdle. Golden State regained momentum with an important basket from Gabby Williams, and Janell Salamon hit a clutch 3-pointer to quench the Sparks' comeback.

Kayla Thornton then made both free throws with 21 seconds remaining. At that moment, Golden State extended their lead to 81-73, an eight-point gap, effectively sealing the victory.

For the Sparks, Neika Ogwumike led the team with 16 points, adding seven rebounds and three assists. Wheeler scored 15 points, and De'Erica Hamby added 12, but it was not enough to prevent the loss. The absence of Monique Acoah Makani due to injury and illness was also a blow for the Sparks. For Golden State, Zandalasini made all five of her 3-pointers to score 15 points.

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*This content was translated by AI.