Odyssey Sims Helps Sparks Secure First Win of Season
After bouncing between hardship contracts in 2024, Odyssey Sims is making it crystal clear why the Los Angeles Sparks gave her a full-year deal.
The 12-year WNBA vet opened the 2025 season with a commanding all-around performance in L.A.’s 84–67 win over the expansion Golden State Valkyries, tallying 7 points, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block — plus a pair of timely threes.
The Sparks led just 42–39 at halftime, but created separation in the third and shut the door in the fourth, outscoring Golden State 18–7 down the stretch. Sims’ two steals added to the defensive pressure that forced 20 Valkyries turnovers, compared to just 11 for L.A. Her impact went beyond the box score, helping stabilize the backcourt during her 30 minutes on the court, and supporting Kelsey Plum’s monster 37-point showing.
It’s a strong start for Sims after a standout AU season where she finished runner-up and averaged 16.3 points, 6.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game
Elsewhere in the league, AU Pro Basketball stars were making noise:
Alysha Clark helped the Storm bounce back from a season-opening loss with a 79–71 win over Dallas. The 13-year vet and 2023 WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year added 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 36 minutes — third-most on the team. Clark, who spent nine years with the Storm early in her career, is picking up where she left off and continues to be a steady two-way presence in Seattle.
In Chicago, Elizabeth Williams came up big defensively despite the Sky’s loss to Indiana. The AU veteran posted 7 rebounds (second on the team), 2 blocks (tied for a team-high), plus 1 assist and 1 steal. It’s her third season in Chicago, and she’s still anchoring the paint.
Bria Hartley, who returned to the W after a two-year absence, followed up her 11-point opener with another solid outing: 7 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal in 20 minutes versus Las Vegas. Hartley was a late training camp pickup for the Sun and is proving her AU Season 4 clutch factor can still translate, even in limited minutes.
Between veteran leadership, strong defensive play, and instant impact off the bench, AU players are already making their presence felt, and with more minutes likely to come, expect that trend to keep climbing.
Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.
