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Rickea Jackson · Within a moment’s notice, the atmosphere for Rickea Jackson’s big-time opportunity had become almost playoff-like. With only a few late-game buckets separating her team from a signature victory over the defending two-time WNBA champions, fans from every angle rose to their feet, in hopes of a celebration in the L.A. Sparks’ final home game until July. Not that Jackson was worried; as the Sparks’ No. 4 pick would ultimately prove, offensive fireworks work well in June, too. Given the keys to Los Angeles’ late-game engine with a two-point lead and two minutes remaining, Jackson puts her tantalizing potential on display, shifting Kate Martin’s frame with a swift right-to-left crossover before powering through contact for a veteran-like and-one finish. Throughout the end of the back-and-forth final quarter, the Sparks’ commentators wondered aloud how Los Angeles would overcome the “goliath” that was the Las Vegas Aces. On June 9, 2024, even goliath would’ve been the victim of Jackson’s “too small” celebration during her powerful takeover. In showcasing Los Angeles’ bright future, Jackson tallied 16 points — highlighted by a breathtaking seven-point explosion in the final four minutes — alongside five rebounds and one 3-pointer in the win. · State of Mint