Micah Parsons had some parting words for the Dallas Cowboys and their fans a day after the blockbuster trade that sent him to Green Bay.

“The moment I got drafted, I had a second home, and they welcomed me. They opened their hearts out to me. They poured into me. That fan base is one of one, so thank you to the fan base,” Parsons said of the Cowboys and Dallas in his first official press conference as a Green Bay Packer. “Thank you to all the players that I played with. I’m gonna miss my dog (Trevon Diggs). That’s like a brother to me. There’s a lot of people that I got close relationships with over there, and I’m gonna miss them regardless.”

Parsons conceded in a social media post Thursday that he never wanted his Cowboys “chapter to end.’ He expressed similar sentiments Friday during his introductory press conference, but told reporters he’s happy to be a member of the Packers.

“I wish, you know, things didn’t have to be like this. But I’m happy for this opportunity. I’m happy to be here, and I’m ready to win some games,” Parsons said.

Parsons has 188 million reasons to be happy in Green Bay. The Packers signed the two-time first-team All-Pro to a four-year, $188 million deal, including $136 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, a person familiar with the deal confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.

Parsons acknowledged there are expectations that come with being the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history.

“I’m not even going lie, there is a lot of expectations. I’ll be a fool to not think that there isn’t expectations, or there isn’t pressure in the position that I’m stepping into,” Parsons explained. “But then again, that’s a blessing in itself. That means that they believe in me. They believe I’m that much of a future in this organization. And they showed that in every which way. So that just alone just shows me the type of person I need to be in this building every day. I’m very determined.”

Parsons told reporters he saw a picture of Packers legend and Hall of Famer Reggie White while at the team’s facility. Coincidentally, Parsons and White are the only two players in NFL history to compile 12 or more sacks in their first four NFL seasons. Parsons said he’s motivated to be mentioned amongst Packers legends such as White who starred for the Packers for six seasons.

Micah Parsons trade signals dreaded rebuild for Dallas Cowboys

“Reggie is like one of the goats,” Parsons said.” I just looked at him like somebody who won here. He can do that. I think I can do that too. I think I can do anything I put my mind to. I looked on that wall and I saw Brett Favre, I saw Reggie, I saw all those legends and I was like, ‘I got to be there.’”

Green Bay’s defense can sure use an impact edge rusher like the late-great White.

The Packers generated a 29.6% pressure rate when rushing four-or-less, which ranked 21st in the NFL in 2024, according to Next Gen Stats. Parsons has led the NFL in pressures (335) and pressure rate (21.1%) since entering the league in 2021. He’s registered 52.5 sacks in his first four seasons.

The new Packers star will sport No. 1 in Green Bay. According to various reports, no player has worn that number since the legendary Curly Lambeau almost 100 years ago. Lambeau was one of the founders of the franchise, was named to the 1920s All-Decade team as a player, and also coached the Packers. Lambeau last wore the number in 1926.

NEW YORK — American Ben Shelton, thought to be one of the favorites for the US Open outside of top-seed and defending champion Jannik Sinner and No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz, retired from his third-round match against Adrian Mannarino on Friday, Aug. 29, because of a shoulder injury.

Shelton, the No. 6 seed, gutted it out for the three-hour match and had to retire with the match square at two sets a piece. It was the first time in 178 career matches that Shelton was forced to retire.

Shelton said he couldn’t pinpoint when he got hurt, as he was healthy going into the match.

‘Really high,’ Shelton said after the match when he asked what his level of pain was. ‘I’m not sure. You know, I never retired before. I’m not a guy who would retire if I could continue. Even though I was in pain, I was just kind of in that competitive mindset of trying to find a way and push through it.’

Shelton was the first of two ranked American men to fall at the US Open on Friday. A short time after Shelton’s loss, No. 17 Frances Tiafoe was stunned by qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany, 7-6, 6-3, 7-6 (9-7) in his third-round match.

Mannarino, a 37-year-old from France and ranked No. 77 in the world, advances to the fourth round to face No. 20 seed Jiri Lehecka, a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 winner over Raphael Collignon. It was Mannarino’s first win against a top-10 player in a Grand Slam tournament in 23 attempts.

“When he started to have pain, he was leading in the match,” Mannarino, who is the oldest man to break into the Top 20 in ATP Rankings history at age 35, after achieving a career-high No. 17 in 2024, said after his victory. “Honestly, he probably would’ve won that match. That’s unfortunate for him, and lucky for me. I don’t really know what to say right now. I’m happy to be through, but I wish him the best, of course.”

The 22-year-old Shelton was leading in the second game of the fourth set when he screamed in pain during a forehand shot. He called for a trainer and received treatment on the shoulder, and was in obvious discomfort and emotional on the bench.

“I did something to my shoulder. I don’t know what it is,’ Shelton could be heard saying to his coach’s box.

After losing the fourth set, and during the changeover before the fifth set, he was again visited by medical staff, and, in tears, he decided he couldn’t continue.

‘Usually I’ll play through anything and just kind of find a way. And whether it’s sickness or injury, like, if I can stay out there, I can stay out there. I never felt anything like this before,’ Shelton said.

Shelton made the semifinals of the 2023 US Open and reached the semifinals of the 2025 Australian Open in January.

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Miami linebacker Adarius Hayes was charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and one count of reckless driving in connection with a two-car crash on May 10 that killed three people.

Hayes was arrested after he turned himself into authorities on Friday, Aug. 29, the Largo Police Department in Florida announced, two days before Miami begins its 2025 season against Notre Dame.

The crash happened in the city of Largo, Hayes’ hometown about 20 miles west of Tampa. Police said initial reports showed Hayes ‘was traveling at a high rate of speed and maneuvering aggressively through traffic’ before his Dodge Durango collided with a Kia Soul at an intersection.

The 78-year-old driver of the Kia and two children, ages 10 and 4, were killed, and a 58-year-old man in the passeger of the Kia was hospitalized with serious injuries. Hayes was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and eventually released.

Police said an investigation into the crash discovered Hayes ‘made a rapid and dangerous maneuver’ of crossing three lanes of traffic five seconds before the crash before he quickly crossed lanes again without signaling. He reached a maximum speed of 78 miles per hour in 40 mph zone when he crashed into the Kia, which police added was lawfully executign a left-hand turn.

‘The investigation concluded that Adarius Hayes’ egregious speed, aggressive and reckless lane changes, and complete disregard for surrounding traffic conditions demonstrated a willful and deliberate disregard for the safety of others, constituting reckless driving. These actions directly led to the tragic deaths of the three victims,’ officials said.

Hayes was booked Pinellas County Jail and was released on $350,000 bond four hours later, according to jail records.

Miami said Hayes is ‘indefinitely suspended from all athletic related activities per athletic department policy’ and declined further comment.

A four-star recruit in the 2024 class, Hayes played in 12 games for the Hurricanes last season, mostly on special teams. He made four tackles and recorded one interception.

The NFL world wasn’t the only one shocked by the Micah Parsons trade on Thursday evening – Kenny Clark was too.

Less than 24 hours after being traded to the Dallas Cowboys in the blockbuster deal that sent Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, Clark detailed the life-changing call he received while getting some ice cream for his daughter, Kenaii. Clark was informed of the trade that would end a nine-year run for him in Green Bay – the only NFL team he has played for.

‘I was shocked, but once Jerry and all those guys called me, Schotty and everybody, I just felt wanted. It’s a blessing, I’m appreciative of it.’ Clark said, via the Cowboys’ official site.

The three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle is ready to introduce himself to the Cowboys defense, saying he is prepared to be the best version of himself.

‘No nonsense, you’re going to get a dawg, somebody that’s just all about football,’ Clark said. ‘I’m here to ball. I’m here to be my best self. I feel like when I’m my best self, there’s nobody messing with me. That’s what I bring to the table, I’m here to play my (expletive) off.’

He won’t have a long time to do that, however, with the Week 1 kickoff set for Thursday, Sept. 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Clark will have to cram an entire offseason’s worth of preparation into just a few days as he prepares for his Dallas debut.

‘First and foremost, just establishing myself by how I play,’ Clark said. ‘And just being myself, establishing myself as a leader. I lead by example, I truly believe in being a pro and doing things the right way.’

Jerry Jones pointed out during a press conference following the deal that stopping the run would be a point of emphasis for the team going forward and Clark is a big reason for that. The 29-year-old explained what it will take for the Dallas defense to accomplish that goal.

‘When it all comes down to stopping the run, it’s all about physicality and setting edges,’ Clark said. ‘I think as long as we’re doing our job as a defense, it all takes 11. It takes all of us understanding how to stop the run and it takes all of us holding each other accountable every day to know our responsibilities and play the run so we can be able to rush the passer.’

While Clark won’t be getting to the quarterback at will like Parsons, there is still some potential for sacks with the former Packer.

He set a career-high with 7.5 sacks in 2023 and has 35 for his career, noting that is part of his game.

‘I pride myself on being an all-around defensive tackle, but I’m primarily a nose tackle. That’s my bread and butter…’ Clark added. ‘I can slide out to three in pass rushing situations or whatever the case may be, but wherever they put me, I’m going to make plays.’

From one historic franchise to another, the goal remains the same – no matter the place.

‘It’s a historic franchise, I wouldn’t want no other thing other than to be sitting here,’ Clark said. I’ve got a chance to win a Super Bowl here and that’s all I could ask for. That’s what I want to do, I want to bring a Super Bowl back to the Cowboys.’

While the trade hasn’t drawn rave reviews from analysts, it will come down to what happens on the field. And if there’s one thing for certain about the NFL, it’s that anything can happen.

BOULDER, CO – Coach Deion Sanders has been telling everybody for months that his new football team at Colorado this year is better than before, possibly even the “best team we’ve ever assembled,” as he said this week.

Then came their first game on Friday, Aug. 29 at sold-out Folsom Field.

And it turns out he might be a little off, at least for one game.

Georgia Tech beat Colorado 27-20 after Georgia Tech quarterback Hayne King scored the game-winning 45-yard touchdown run with 1:07 to go.

It was Sanders’ first game at Colorado without his two youngest sons playing for him: quarterback Shedeur and safety Shilo. Two-way star Travis Hunter also has moved on to the NFL after winning the Heisman Trophy last season with the Buffaloes.

In their place, Sanders fielded a new-look band of Buffaloes, who didn’t fully capitalize on Georgia Tech’s three turnovers in three possessions to start the game. They netted only an 8-yard touchdown pass from new quarterback Kaidon Salter, a transfer from Liberty.

Salter finished 17-for-28 for 159 yards and had that passing touchdown. He added 43 more yards on the ground on 13 carries and scored another touchdown.

But King for Georgia Tech was more prolific. He was 13-for-20 passing for 143 yards and had an interception, but he rushed 19 times for a career-high 156 yards and scored all three Georgia Tech touchdowns, including the 45-yard game-winner with just over a minute to go.

Georgia Tech gained 463 total yards, including 320 rushing yards, before Colorado’s Hail Mary pass fell flat to end the game in front of the announced crowd of 52,868.

Georgia Tech vs. Colorado highlights

Final: Georgia Tech 27, Colorado 20

Colorado’s Hail Mary falls incomplete. There was some questionable time management there in the final minute.

Haynes King gives Georgia Tech late lead

King bursts through the line and cruises the rest of the way for a 45-yard rushing TD. Georgia Tech leads 27-20 with 1:07 to go.

The QB has rushed 19 times for 156 yards and three touchdowns. He’s added 143 yards passing.

Colorado answers, ties game again

Colorado quarterback Kaidon Salter engineered his best drive of the game, capped by his 7-yard scramble for a touchdown with under nine minutes left in the game. The score helped tie the game at 20-20 after Salter drove the Buffs downfield 75 yards in 15 plays as coach Deion Sanders implored him to “be you” during an in-game interview with ESPN.

Game officials initially called Salter down at the 1-yard line on his third-down run. But replay review showed he had pushed the ball across the goal line before his knee was down.

End of third quarter: Georgia Tech 20, Colorado 13

Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King busted loose for a 17-yard touchdown run after faking a handoff. He moved his team downfield 75 yards on 11 plays. The touchdown put the Yellow Jackets up 20-13 with 14 seconds left in the third quarter.

The drive chewed up 5:46 of game clock and included five first downs for the Yellow Jackets.

Colorado then ran one play – a completion for 16 yards – as time expired in the third quarter. 

King has 99 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 15 attempts. He also has completed 11 of 17 passes for 115 yards with one interception.

Colorado ties it up again

Colorado has tied the game at 13-13 with six minutes left in the third quarter. Kicker Alejandro Mata drilled a 29-yard field goal after the Buffs drove to the Georgia Tech 5-yard line but got stuffed on three plays before the kick. The scoring drive went 39 yards on eight plays, including a 21-yard pass from Kaidon Salter to receiver DeKalon Taylor on the drive’s first play.

Quiet start to third quarter

Both teams opened the second half with punts, with Georgia Tech still leading 13-10 with 10:15 left in the third quarter. Colorado opened the half with three straight runs by running back Micah Welch, including a 22-yarder to the left on the first play after halftime. But the Buffs stalled at the Georgia Tech 45-yard line.

Welch has eight carries for 65 yards. 

Halftime: Georgia Tech 13, Colorado 10

Georgia Tech responded to Colorado’s field goal with a 43-yard field goal of its own as time expired in the first half. The Yellow Jackets lead at halftime 13-10.

Colorado coach Deion Sanders told ESPN at halftime that quarterback Kaidon Salter has been having communication issues but otherwise has had a “solid game.”

Salter has completed 6 of 10 passes for 48 yards and a touchdown.

Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King has completed 9 of 13 passes for 97 yards. He added a rushing touchdown in the second quarter.

Both teams have reason to be disappointed. Georgia Tech gave up three turnovers to start the game, but Colorado only came up with one touchdown to show for it.

Georgia Tech has outgained Colorado 279-119 in total yards and 18-5 in first downs.

Colorado gets the ball to open the second half.

Colorado ties it up

Colorado rediscovered a little bit of offense to tie the game at 10-10 with 1:39 to go until halftime. The Buffs went 51 yards in eight plays, including a 39-yard pass from quarterback Kaidon Salter to receiver Omarion Miller on third-and-10. That catch on the left side brought the Buffs to the Georgia Tech 25-yard line, but then they had to settle for a 42-yard field goal from kicker Alejandro Mata. 

Georgia Tech takes the lead

The momentum has swung back to Georgia Tech after Colorado failed to fully capitalize on the Yellow Jackets’ three turnovers to start the game. They now lead 10-7 with 4:33 left in the second quarter after going 80 yards in 10 plays, capped by a 4-yard touchdown run by quarterback Haynes King.

Georgia Tech has outgained Colorado 230-63 in total yards. The Yellow Jackets have 16 first downs, compared to three for the Buffs. 

Colorado offense stuck in neutral

Colorado’s offense has fizzled after scoring a touchdown on its first possession. Since then, it’s been three straight punts, including two three-and-outs. Quarterback Kaidon Salter is 4-for-8 passing for 12 yards, including his 8-yard touchdown pass. Georgia Tech has outgained Colorado 150-63 in total yards with 10:30 left before halftime. 

Georgia Tech settles for field goal

The Yellow Jackets settled for a 32-yard field goal after driving from their 2-yard line all the way to the Colorado 8. But a holding penalty pushed them back from there, and now it’s 7-3 with 13:31 left before halftime. They ran 13 plays for 84 yards before the field goal by Aidan Birr. 

End of first quarter: Colorado 7, Georgia Tech 0

Colorado leads 7-0 after one quarter of play but Georgia Tech is threatening to score at the start of the second quarter. The Yellow Jackets finally settled down on their fourth possession of the game, chipping away at Colorado’s defense with a drive that started at its own 2-yard line.

Georgia Tech has outgained Colorado after one quarter, 144-45 yards. The Yellow Jackets have the ball inside the Colorado 20-yard line.

Georgia Tech turns the ball over again

Now it’s three turnovers in three possessions to start the game for Georgia Tech. This time Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King threw to the left on first down in Colorado territory, only to be intercepted by Colorado cornerback DJ McKinney. The interception gave the Buffs possession at their own 34-yard line. 

But the Buffs squandered the opportunity for the second straight time and punted the ball back. 

Georgia Tech fumbles again

Two possessions, two fumbles for Georgia Tech. This time a high snap from center ended up on the ground and was recovered by Colorado defender Keaten Wade, putting the Buffaloes in good field position again at its own 48-yard line early in the first quarter. 

The Buffaloes went three-and-out and had to punt, however.

Colorado turns turnover into touchdown

Colorado has struck first and is up 7-0 after recovering a fumble and scoring after going 36 yards in five plays. Quarterback Kaidon Salter threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to newcomer DeKalon “TrackHawk” Taylor with 12:08 left in the first quarter.

Linebacker Martavius French took the ball away from Georgia Tech on the Yellow Jackets’ second play from scrimmage to set it all up.

When is Colorado vs Georgia Tech?

Kickoff is at 8 p.m. ET Friday, Aug. 29 from sold-out Folsom Field in Boulder.

How to watch Colorado vs Georgia Tech

The game will be televised on ESPN and also is available on Fubo.

Colorado vs Georgia Tech odds

The latest odds can be found below. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Rain falling at Colorado before game

With less than an hour before kickoff, rain is falling on the field, but not too heavily. It’ll make for wet conditions on Colorado’s new artificial turf field, even if the rain stops after kickoff, as has been forecasted. The rain also has kept the seats from filling at the stadium so far. It’s mostly empty except for students wearing white shirts as part of a coordinated color scheme for Colorado.

Portable toilet on sideline for Deion Sanders

Deion Sanders wasn’t joking when he talked about having a portable toilet on the sideline. A Colorado official confirmed that the black tented box near the 20-yard line is Sanders’ bathroom if he needs it. It is sponsored by Depend, the adult underwear brand. Sanders has a partnership with Depend after having his cancerous bladder removed in May. He has discussed his incontinence and bladder issues openly since then in his effort to remove the stigma around the issue.

What happened to Colorado’s bison mascot?

Raphie VI, Colorado’s live mascot, has retired after four seasons, as was announced earlier this week. Colorado is training a new bison for the job, but she won’t be ready to run on the field before the game.

“We all saw that coming,” Deion Sanders said on the ‘Colorado Football Coaches Show’ Aug. 27.

He was referring to Ralphie VI’s slow trots and seeming lack of interest in the job. Prior Ralphie mascots charged out of the gate down and around the field before kickoff.

“I’m hating the point that we are missing a Ralphie for this game,” Sanders said on the show.

What is the history between Colorado and Georgia Tech?

They’ve never played. But they shared the national championship for the 1990 season after the Associated Press picked Colorado No. 1 to finish the season and the UPI Coaches’ Poll coronated Georgia Tech. It came down to a single point in the Coaches’ Poll. Then-Nebraska coach Tom Osborne previously declined to talk about it but revealed in a recent interview with USA TODAY Sports that he picked Georgia Tech No. 1 instead of Big Eight Conference rival Colorado. Georgia Tech finished 11-0-1 that year. Colorado finished 11-1-1.

Who is replacing Travis Hunter for Colorado?

It takes a village to fill the shoes of the two-way star. On defense, cornerback DJ McKinney was the “other” cornerback last year and is NFL draft material. He’ll be the guy to take on the other team’s top receiver. On offense, the Buffs have a stacked set of fleet feet to catch passes, including a transfer from Incarnate Word who goes by the moniker of “TrackHawk.” That’s DeKalon Taylor, a running back/receiver who is the fastest player on the team.

Why is Colorado wearing a new jersey patch?

The Buffs will wear their traditional home uniforms from the 1990s: gold helmet, black jersey, gold pants, white socks and black shoes. This is to honor former Colorado coach Bill McCartney, who died in January. McCartney led the Buffs to the national championship in 1990 before retiring abruptly after the 1994 season, when his team finished No. 3 nationally.

“We’re going to give some love to Coach McCartney,” Deion Sanders said earlier this week.

The team also will wear a patch on their jerseys to honor “Coach Mac.”

Who will walk with Deion Sanders before the game?

In his first two seasons at Colorado, Sanders would take part in a ritual with his son Shedeur and sometimes his safety son Shilo. They would walk and talk together down the field as father, coach, sons and players. Now that his sons have left the program, another player on the current team offered to walk the same walk with him before the game, which Sanders found touching. But Sanders didn’t say who it was.

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

Aliyah Boston produced a game-high 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Indiana Fever on the road against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on Friday night.

Boston shot 11-of-18 from the field and created opportunities for Indiana with six steals. Odyssey Sims added 21 points and six rebounds in the victory.

Kelsey Plum and the Sparks held a lead throughout most of the game but weren’t able to hold on to it in the second half, including the final seconds of the fourth quarter.

Sims put the game away in the final seconds, scoring the final five points for the Fever, including a 10-foot jumper off an assist from Lexie Hull.

The Fever took their first lead of the game when Hull made a two-point shot to move the team ahead 50-49 with 6:41 left in the third quarter.

The two squads went back and forth in the final period. Plum had the ball in her hands near the basket and a chance to help facilitate a go-ahead shot, but Boston intercepted a bad pass by Plum to secure the victory.

Highlights: Fever vs. Sparks

Final: Fever 76, Sparks 75

Aliyah Boston produced a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Fever. Odyssey Sims contributed to the victory with 21 points and six rebounds.

3Q: Sparks 58, Fever 57

The Sparks did enough to hold on to the lead at the end of the third quarter. Rae Burrell made a two-point shot off an assist from Sarah Ashlee Barker with 4.5 seconds left in the quarter to retake the lead.

The Fever took their first lead of the game when Lexie Hull made a two-point shot to move the team ahead 50-49 with 6:41 left in the third quarter.

Kelsey Plum continued to be the Sparks’ only double-digit scorer after three quarters of play. Plum has shot 5-of-10 from the field for 12 points in 26 minutes of play.

Aliyah Boston has a game-high 16 points and eight rebounds for the Fever. Odyssey Sims and Kelsey Mitchell each have 12 points.

Halftime: Sparks 47, Fever 44

Kelsey Plum had 12 points in the first half to lead the Sparks against the Fever. Azura Stevens and Rickea Jackson added eight points in the first half.

The Sparks compiled nine assists in the first quarter but just one in the second quarter.

Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston each scored 12 points for the Fever.

1Q: Sparks 31, Fever 24

The Sparks finished out the opening period with the lead against Indiana at home. Azura Stevens had eight points and two assists for the Sparks in the first quarter. Dearica Hamby added six points and two assists. Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with seven points. Aliyah Boston had six points, three rebounds and two assists against L.A.

Sparks starting lineup vs. Fever

Rickea Jackson, Dearica Hamby, Azura Stevens, Kelsey Plum and Julie Allemand started for the Sparks at home against the Fever on Friday.

Fever starting lineup vs. Sparks

Odyssey Sims, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, Natasha Howard and Aliyah Boston make up the Fever’s starting lineup for Friday’s game against the Sparks.

What time is Indiana Fever vs. Los Angeles Sparks?

The Los Angeles Sparks will host the Indiana Fever at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) on Friday, Aug. 29, at crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The game will be broadcast nationally on ION.

How to watch Indiana Fever vs. Los Angeles Sparks: TV, stream

Time: 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT)
Location: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles)
TV channel: ION
Streaming: Fubo (free trial to new subscribers)

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

Aliyah Boston produced a game-high 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Indiana Fever on the road against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on Friday night.

Boston shot 11-of-18 from the field and created opportunities for Indiana with six steals. Odyssey Sims added 21 points and six rebounds in the victory.

Kelsey Plum and the Sparks held a lead throughout most of the game but weren’t able to hold on to it in the second half, including the final seconds of the fourth quarter.

Sims put the game away in the final seconds, scoring the final five points for the Fever, including a 10-foot jumper off an assist from Lexie Hull.

The Fever took their first lead of the game when Hull made a two-point shot to move the team ahead 50-49 with 6:41 left in the third quarter.

The two squads went back and forth in the final period. Plum had the ball in her hands near the basket and a chance to help facilitate a go-ahead shot, but Boston intercepted a bad pass by Plum to secure the victory.

Highlights: Fever vs. Sparks

Final: Fever 76, Sparks 75

Aliyah Boston produced a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Fever. Odyssey Sims contributed to the victory with 21 points and six rebounds.

3Q: Sparks 58, Fever 57

The Sparks did enough to hold on to the lead at the end of the third quarter. Rae Burrell made a two-point shot off an assist from Sarah Ashlee Barker with 4.5 seconds left in the quarter to retake the lead.

The Fever took their first lead of the game when Lexie Hull made a two-point shot to move the team ahead 50-49 with 6:41 left in the third quarter.

Kelsey Plum continued to be the Sparks’ only double-digit scorer after three quarters of play. Plum has shot 5-of-10 from the field for 12 points in 26 minutes of play.

Aliyah Boston has a game-high 16 points and eight rebounds for the Fever. Odyssey Sims and Kelsey Mitchell each have 12 points.

Halftime: Sparks 47, Fever 44

Kelsey Plum had 12 points in the first half to lead the Sparks against the Fever. Azura Stevens and Rickea Jackson added eight points in the first half.

The Sparks compiled nine assists in the first quarter but just one in the second quarter.

Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston each scored 12 points for the Fever.

1Q: Sparks 31, Fever 24

The Sparks finished out the opening period with the lead against Indiana at home. Azura Stevens had eight points and two assists for the Sparks in the first quarter. Dearica Hamby added six points and two assists. Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with seven points. Aliyah Boston had six points, three rebounds and two assists against L.A.

Sparks starting lineup vs. Fever

Rickea Jackson, Dearica Hamby, Azura Stevens, Kelsey Plum and Julie Allemand started for the Sparks at home against the Fever on Friday.

Fever starting lineup vs. Sparks

Odyssey Sims, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, Natasha Howard and Aliyah Boston make up the Fever’s starting lineup for Friday’s game against the Sparks.

What time is Indiana Fever vs. Los Angeles Sparks?

The Los Angeles Sparks will host the Indiana Fever at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) on Friday, Aug. 29, at crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The game will be broadcast nationally on ION.

How to watch Indiana Fever vs. Los Angeles Sparks: TV, stream

Time: 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT)
Location: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles)
TV channel: ION
Streaming: Fubo (free trial to new subscribers)

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.