Rickea Jackson delivered a breakout performance that rocked the WNBA. The second-year forward scored 30 points to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a stunning 97–89 win over the Las Vegas Aces. The upset didn’t just shake up the Commissioner’s Cup, it repositioned Jackson as a WNBA star in the making.
How Jackson Seised Control Against the WNBA’s Best
The Sparks weren’t expected to beat the Aces. Jackson wasn’t expected to dominate them. But that’s exactly what happened.
The 24-year-old came out firing, draining two three-pointers early to halt the Aces’ 8–0 run. From there, she never looked back. Jackson shot 11-of-17 from the field (64.7%), hit four threes, and grabbed seven rebounds.
‘I just trusted my work’. Jackson told reporters. ‘I played with confidence and let the game come to me’.
Her aggressive style and fearless shooting changed the energy in the building. The Sparks, who had struggled with consistency, suddenly looked poised and competitive against a team stacked with talent.
A’ja Wilson Struggles as Sparks Win the Battle in the Paint
Even with Jackie Young scoring 34 and Chelsea Gray adding 28, the Aces couldn’t keep up. Star forward A’ja Wilson, normally dominant, scored just 13 points on 2-of-12 shooting before exiting in the third quarter with a facial injury.
That absence hurt Las Vegas, but the Sparks had already taken control. Per Swish Appeal, LA outscored the Aces 44–32 in the paint, showing their physical edge. Jackson helped set that tone by fearlessly attacking the rim and fighting for rebounds.
Defensive intensity was also key. Jackson’s coach Curt Miller praised her defensive improvement, which has made her a double threat on the court.
From Injury Setback to Sensation: Jackson’s Rapid Rise
Only a few weeks ago, Jackson was sidelined under concussion protocol. Now, she’s leading the Sparks in scoring.
According to Sportskeeda, coach Curt Miller told her early in the season: ‘You’re going to be a great defensive player.’ That belief lit a fire under her.
Jackson is now averaging 19.3 points and 6 rebounds over her last three games, more than triple her early-season numbers. Her rapid development has transformed the Sparks’ outlook, providing hope for a team in transition.
Key Stats That Show Just How Dominant Jackson Was
- 30 points (career-high for Jackson)
- 4 three-pointers made
- 64.7% field goal shooting
- 7 rebounds and team-high +15 plus-minus
- Sparks three-point shooting: 11-of-21 (52.4%)
- Bench performance: 6-of-7 from beyond the arc
- Commissioner’s Cup record: Sparks now 2–2
Jackson’s 30-point night dwarfed the next highest Sparks scorer, Dearica Hamby, who had 19. She also outscored the rest of LA’s starters combined, highlighting her emergence as a key offensive weapon.
Sparks Find Their Identity as Jackson Emerges as a Leader
The Sparks entered the 2025 season with uncertainty, but this win, and Jackson’s performance, could mark a turning point. They now sit at 2–2 in the Commissioner’s Cup, and the confidence is returning.
‘She gave us the spark we needed’, said veteran forward Azurá Stevens. ‘Her energy lifted the whole team’.
This wasn’t just a good game, it was a culture shift. Jackson’s ability to perform under pressure signals a bright future both for her and the franchise.
What This Means for the Sparks Moving Forward
The Sparks face the Minnesota Lynx next. Defences will now key in on Jackson, but she’s proven she can rise to the occasion.
If this level of play continues, the Sparks won’t just be relevant, they’ll be dangerous. Jackson’s combination of offensive firepower and defensive grit could be the catalyst for a Sparks resurgence.
