Today, the Phoenix Mercury took over the Los Angeles Sparks in a 92-78 victory at home. Vets Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner made significant contributions to the game with 20 and 18 points, respectively. More so, the seasoned shooters know exactly how to lead the game. But there is one thing that sets them apart from other players, and that is how to appreciate true talent when they see one, in this case, it is LA Sparks’ Dearica Hamby.
As veterans, Taurasi and Griner provide valuable insights to their teammates from their seasoned careers in the W. But they also acknowledge their opponent’s talents and strengths. Setting the usual post-game analysis apart, Taurasi praised the LA Sparks’ forward on her stellar performance and praised her on-court versatility, while Griner expressed her joy of having to play with such a remarkable player. Let’s take a look at what they said.
Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner giving Hamby her flowers
In the post-game interview, Diana Taurasi enlisted how Hamby is dominating all over the court and called her the ‘Prototype Player of the Future’. She said, “I think Hamby made 3 to 4 in the first quarter, she is just playing unbelievable basketball. I think I sat here last time saying how she is the prototype player of the future and today she did it again. I mean, she’s just all over the place – 3s, transition, post-ups, off the dribble. She really is just playing phenomenal basketball.”
In the game, Hamby registered 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in the game. Moreover, she shot 11-of-17 field goals made and 4-of-5 beyond the arc. Since the season took off, Hamby has scored remarkably well with 12 double-doubles in 18 games she has played with the Sparks.
Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi praised Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby after Friday’s game in which Hamby tied her career-high of 29 points. #WNBA
#ValleyTogether #TheNewClassic https://t.co/Xx6Lj5klo0pic.twitter.com/iKIrecJ9IO— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo)
June 29, 2024
However, Taurasi also talked about how the Mercury took over the reins in the second quarter and maintained their lead throughout the game, which came by easy for the team as they understood their opponent’s moves and made a run for the win.
Meanwhile, Brittney Griner talked about Hamby’s development as a player and some of Hamby’s skills that make her a standout player. She said, “Yeah, I mean, D has definitely improved her game over the years. I mean we have to respect her everywhere. So, we respected a little bit more from the three, but, you know, she is going to get bored, she going to go hard, she’s never going to stop moving, so we got to throw different things at her, and I’ve always loved to battle with her. It’s always good, it’s always love.”
Hamby has definitely stepped in her role of pushing things towards the winning end. In this game as well, she scored a team-high 29 points, however, she couldn’t end the Sparks’ 7-game losing streak. But still, her performance has given the fans and coaches alike something to look forward to.
Instead of Brink, Hamby to play at the Olympics
It’s been three games since Cameron Brink injured her knee and was diagnosed with a torn ACL. Hence, she is out for the remainder of the season. Moreover, she will not be participating in this year’s Olympic Games set to be held next month.
Now, since she is out, USA Basketball recently made an announcement, naming Dearica Hamby to play at the 2024 USA 3×3 Women’s National Team. Selected by the USA Basketball 3×3 Women’s National Team Committee, Hamby will be playing in place of her teammate, Cameron Brink.
“It is an honor to announce Dearica Hamby’s addition to the USA 3×3 Women’s National Team and we look forward to getting to work as a squad very soon. USA Basketball continues to keep Cameron Brink in our thoughts as she focuses on her recovery,” said USA Basketball 3×3 National Team director, Jay Demings expressing how delighted he is to be working with Hamby while he also wished for Brink’s speedy recovery.
