Sparks HC Busts WNBA Myth As Ex-Mentees Odyssey Sims, Shey Peddy Help Fever Win

It took just 30 seconds for the Los Angeles Sparks’ postseason hopes to crash. Kelsey Plum and Co. dominated in periods against a Caitlin Clark-less Indiana Fever side for the fourth time. When they took a 3-point lead with just about a minute left, it seemed the Sparks would take it over the line. However, their early-season point guard, Odyssey Sims, became their nemesis in the final seconds. Sims had all of Fever‘s final 5 points. To start with, he pulled up from downtown to tie the game, hyping up the Fever bench with Clark. 

However, Azurra Stevens had the chance to give them a two-point lead on the other end, but she could only make 1 of her 2 free throws. With just a one-point lead, Sims powered into the paint and nailed a perfect 10-foot floater. Even with Fever leading, the game wasn’t over yet, however, the same Kelsey Plum that made the winner against Dallas Wings a few days ago fumbled the ball this time around. A mentally crushing 76-75 loss could be the reason they fall out without making a playoff appearance. All because of their former point guard, Odyssey Sims. 

However, Sims’ Los Angeles past did not correlate with her performance on the night, according to LA coach Lynne Roberts. “How hard do you think did it give them an advantage tonight?” Asked a reporter while referring to former LA players Sims and Shey Peddy on the Fever squad on the night.

Roberts told the media, “No, I don’t think so. I mean, Odyssey had a great game and you know, tip your hat to her, she hit that big shot. Um, and you know, I don’t think in the course of the game there’s so much going on that they’re not paying attention to our huddles. You know, they’re just competing. And you know, Shey Peddy did a good job, too. would um you know just a good job at it, but I don’t I really don’t in this league it’s very common for players to kind of be on different teams throughout the same season.”

Sims was a Sparks player for 12 games while averaging 9.8 points and 3.5 assists per game. She was looking to build a team and guide this young roster alongside Plum. “Just being a leader, whether it’s controlling the game, the tempo, making sure we’re all set up, just making sure everything’s going and getting people in their right spots,” Peddy had said when she was a Sparks player. 

On the other hand, Peddy played only 6 games, averaging 5.0 points and 2.7 assists from the bench. However, it was not to be as they released both simultaneously. Maybe it was for the good, as both have thrived in the Fever system, and the Sparks have Kelsey Plum and Julie Vanloo running point. Looking at the bigger picture, the Sparks have thrived since releasing the two, going 8-12. 

Looking on the other side of the fence, Fever coach Stephanie White was focused on both doing the best they could and had a similar outlook to Roberts. “Two of your point guards are former Sparks. How do you personally approach helping your players play against their former teams, especially in a season like this?” A reporter asked White.

She replied, “I think the most important thing for our players is that, you know, number one, that they’re on our team for a reason. Um, number two, you know, they don’t have anything to prove. Um, we need them to be who they are. We need them to do what they have done to allow them to be successful and allow our team to be successful. Um, not one person needs to play outside of themselves to try to prove anything.”

There has been a barrage of injuries affecting the league this year. With the roster limit set at 12, there have been a lot more emergency signings and players bouncing around teams. Until the rosters expand with the league’s expanding teams, such signings will continue to be the norm. When it comes to Sims, she is ready to take every opportunity. 

Odyssey Sims Doesn’t Mind Being “A Human Blur”

Some might remember, or not, that Odyssey Sims used to be one of the best players in the league. As a top graduate out of Baylor, she was picked at No.2 in the 2014 draft by the Tulsa Shock and finished second in the rookie of the year race only behind Chiney Ogwumike. She continued on that path, gradually improving with the Wings and later on the Sparks. After peaking in Minnesota in 2019, making her first and only all-star squad, it has been downhill since.  

In the last few years, Sims has played for multiple teams as an emergency mid-season addition, including Sparks, Wings, Sun, and the Lynx. Despite that, she remains in good spirits. “Odyssey, talk to us about your motor and your determination. It’s like you’re a human blur out there.” A reporter asked after the game. 

Sims replied, “I mean, just going off just like the last few years, just up and down, in the league, out the league, hardship, contract, being cut, all of that stuff really doesn’t matter. Um, I think I’m the human definition of we stay ready, you don’t have to get ready. Um, I think every opportunity that, um, has been given to me, I’m taking full full advantage of it.”

In the end, old age catches up to professional athletes. At 33, Sims still has the spark to play in the toughest league but the youngsters tend to pass her when it comes to consistency throughout the season. While there are older players in the league, it is the exception rather than the norm. Even with her drop off, this short stay with the Fever could lead to bigger things. Sims has helped the Fever go past a major hurdle, and she will be key for them heading into the playoffs.