Rae Burrell’s fourth-quarter surge helps lift Sparks to win over Mystics
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Nneka Ogwumike had 24 points, Rae Burrell scored 12 of her 15 points in the fourth quarter, and the Sparks beat the Washington Mystics 88-82 on Friday night.
The Sparks went on a 13-2 run late in the fourth quarter to pull away. Burrell made a three-pointer with 2:54 left and added a transition layup on the Sparks’ next possession — following a blocked shot by Cameron Brink — to cap the run and go ahead 85-78.
Brink finished with 13 points and two blocks off the bench for the Sparks (14-25). Monique Akoa Makani had 10 points.
The $150-million training center in El Segundo is the biggest investment in women’s sports in the U.S., but it’s only a start with new ownership needed too.
Washington (24-16) was playing on consecutive nights for the first time this season after beating Phoenix 80-73 on Thursday. The Mystics turned the ball over 17 times, leading to 31 points for the Sparks.
Sonia Citron made four three-pointers and scored 22 points for Washington, which had won three straight on the road. Shakira Austin had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Kiki Iriafen contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds for her 20th double-double this season.
Georgia Amoore, coming off a career-high 25 points on Thursday, finished with nine points on three-of-eight shooting.
Washington led 51-40 at the break before the Sparks countered with a 16-6 run to start the third quarter to pull to within one, 57-56.
Up next for the Sparks: at Seattle on Sunday.
Cameron Brink was asked about Enes Kanter Freedom and transgender athletes before the Sparks’ game against Atlanta on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena.
