Rae Burrell Lights Up Scoring In Sparks Victory Over Chicago
Los Angeles Sparks dominated the Chicago Sky 102-87 at Crypto.com Arena, drawing 11,287 fans. Rae Burrell started the game and contributed a 17-point effort, converting 6 of 13 field goals and 4 of 6 three-point attempts. The victory improved the Sparks to a 10-11 record, while Chicago fell to 7-15.
Key Statistics From The Win
Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike paced the team with 25 points, leading all scorers. Chicago outrebounded Los Angeles 36-32, but the 15-point lead the Sparks built early proved decisive. Burrell added one rebound, four assists and two blocks in 33 minutes of play. The final margin of 15 points was the largest difference in the game.
Rae Burrell’s Impact And Efficiency
Entering the contest as a former Lady Vol, Burrell finished with 17 points on a solid shooting night. Her six made field goals included four threes, showing the three-point threat the Sparks rely on. The veteran also delivered two blocks, highlighting her defensive growth since being selected ninth overall in the 2022 draft. Burrell’s performance helped the Sparks break open a tight contest.
Background On Burrell’s College Career
Burrell played four seasons at the University of Tennessee from 2018โ22, appearing in 110 games with 47 starts. She averaged 10.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists and logged 22.6 minutes per game. Her college honors included a spot on the 2021โ22 USA TODAY Preseason AllโAmerica Third Team. Burrell was selected by Los Angeles in the first round of the 2022 WNBA draft (No. 9 overall). The former Lady Vol has transitioned into a key contributor for the Sparks, blending scoring with defensive presence.
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PHOTOS: Former Lady Vols in 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
Rae Burrell #12 of the Los Angeles Sparks handles the ball against A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on June 02, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
(Meg Oliphant, Getty Images)
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PHOTOS: Former Lady Vols in 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
Rae Burrell #12 of the Los Angeles Sparks handles the ball against A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on June 02, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
(Meg Oliphant, Getty Images)
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PHOTOS: Former Lady Vols in 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
June 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Tempo forward Isabelle Harrison (21) reacts after making a three point basket against the Chicago Sky during the second half at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
(John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Former Lady Vols in 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
June 1, 2026; Arlington, Texas; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) passes the ball by Seattle Storm forward Jordan Horston (23) during the second half at College Park Center.
(Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Former Lady Vols in 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
June 6, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles (5) drives to the basket past Seattle Storm forward Jordan Horston (23) in the first half at Target Center.
(Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Former Lady Vols in 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
Rae Burrell #12 of the Los Angeles Sparks handles the ball against Stephanie Talbot #7 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on June 02, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
(Meg Oliphant, Getty Images)
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PHOTOS: Former Lady Vols in 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
Rae Burrell #12 of the Los Angeles Sparks reacts during action against the Portland Fire during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on June 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
(Luiza Moraes, Getty Images)
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PHOTOS: Former Lady Vols in 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
June 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Tempo forward Isabelle Harrison (21) and guard Marina Mabrey (3) defend against Chicago Sky center Kamilla Cardoso (10) during the second half at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
(John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Former Lady Vols in 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
June 1, 2026; Arlington, Texas; Seattle Storm forward Jordan Horston (23) shoots over Dallas Wings center Li Yueru (28) during the second half at College Park Center.
(Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Former Lady Vols in 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
June 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California; LA Sparks guard-forward Rae Burrell (12) shoots the ball against Portland Fire forward Bridget Carleton (6) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Former Lady Vols in 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
Maya Caldwell #3 of the Minnesota Lynx looks to pass through traffic against the Seattle Storm and Jordan Horston (23) during the second quarter at Target Center on June 06, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
(Ellen Schmidt, Getty Images)
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PHOTOS: Former Lady Vols in 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
June 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California; LA Sparks guard-forward Rae Burrell (12) shoots the ball against Portland Fire forward Bridget Carleton (6) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Former Lady Vols in 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
June 5, 2026; Los Angeles, California; LA Sparks guard-forward Rae Burrell (12), guard Ariel Atkins (7), forward Nneka Ogwumike (30), guard Kelsey Plum (10) and forward Cameron Brink (22) against the Dallas Wings in the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Former Lady Vols in 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
June 6, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Seattle Storm guard Jade Melbourne (5) dribbles the ball as Seattle Storm forward Jordan Horston (23) plays defense in the second half at Target Center.
(Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images)
The Sparks will look to build on this momentum as they continue their WNBA schedule, aiming to improve their winโloss record in the coming games.
Content Credit: This article was originally published on sports.yahoo.com.
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