Proven capable of giving any WNBA team a run for its money, the Los Angeles Sparks, on July 7, 2024, ran into an obstacle too lofty to overcome: a gifted offensive talent in the middle of one of the Association’s most quietly-productive clutch stretches. Already closed in on a new scoring career-high, Natasha Cloud shifts her sights on closing the game’s result, fittingly with a shifty crossover that leaves Aari McDonald in the rearview mirror. One accurate finish away from breaking the tie with under 40 seconds remaining, Cloud powers through, banking a go-ahead layup off the glass to ultimately seal the game’s outcome. The performance from Cloud — No. 7 in clutch points (32) on an unheard of 9-of-10 shooting before the All-Star break — added to her list of outstanding crunchtime showings. A catalyst behind the Phoenix Mercury’s back-to-back road wins, Cloud put forth arguably her career’s greatest statistical performance, with 31 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals, two blocks, and elite efficiency from the field (10-of-16), from deep (4-of-6), and from the free throw line (7-of-7). · Jul 7, 2024