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Stephanie Talbot · For much of the second half on July 5, 2024, Stephanie Talbot’s accuracy and precision couldn’t be questioned from anywhere, with the box score registering her for both a career-high in assists and a healthy scoring contribution. The reward — earned through both stellar play in her new starting role and the potential for an advantageous matchup — arrived in intriguing form: a game-tying, overtime-clinching shot attempt. Trusting her ability to generate a reasonable look over Chelsea Gray, Talbot uses both her three-inch height difference and a powerful gather before drifting backwards into a heroic, crowd-inciting bucket. Talbot’s veteran presence proved vital in helping the Los Angeles Sparks prevail in an always-important clash against the Las Vegas Aces. Ultimately earning a one-year extension just a month later for performances of this degree, Talbot excelled in her role as a frontcourt fill-in with 13 points — all in the second half — alongside five rebounds, a career-best nine assists, two 3-pointers, and a game-high +12 plus-minus. · State of Mint