Sparks news: Nneka Ogwumike gives emotional speech after final game

There was not a dry eye at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday when Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike delivered her farewell speech after playing her final game in the WNBA .

Unfortunately, they did not get the victory, losing to the Golden State Valkyries by a hair, 76-75. Ogwumike missed a five-footer that would have given the Sparks the lead with 12.4 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Ogwumike ended her decorated career with 17 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists.

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The 36-year-old star, who led the Sparks to the championship in 2016, turned emotional during her postgame speech.

"I wouldn't go down any other way, which is competing hard here in LA against great competition. It's such a privilege and an honor to be in this league, to be a woman in sports, and especially to wear the Sparks jersey," said Ogwumike.

She thanked her family, who were literally behind her on her special evening, and the fans, calling them the "pulse" of the Sparks.

"I'm still thinking about how I wish I could've left you guys with a win, but I do want you to know that I left my heart out here on the floor, and I'm really happy that I got to share a lot of this with my teammates. You guys really helped me through this season," said the former MVP.

To end, Ogwumike issued a plea to everyone, which underscored the selflessness, leadership, and vision that made her one of the all-time greats, including off the court.

"We cannot ignore the needs of the majority for the noise of the minority. So keep supporting the W. Keep supporting the Sparks. Every little thing that you do, it helps women's basketball grow. Don't think that you can't be a part of this because you all are the reason why we are able to stay here, play this game, play our worth, and continue to change history," added Ogwumike.

She finished her 15-year career with averages of 16.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals with the Sparks and the Seattle Storm . She was an eight-time All-WNBA, a seven-time All-Defense, an 11-time All-Star, and a four-time winner of the Sportsmanship Award.

Ogwumike was named to the WNBA 25th Anniversary Team in 2021.