Sparks news: How Nneka Ogwumike’s final act of accountability sums up HOF career

LOS ANGELES – When the dust had cleared and the sting from the Los Angeles Sparks ' heartbreaking 76-75 loss to the Golden State Valkyries in the season finale had settled down a bit, Nneka Oguwmike stood before the home crowd and took accountability .

The Sparks had held a double digit lead for most of the night, and seemed well on their way to ending the year on a high note against one of the best teams in the league. But the Valkyries battled back and surged ahead late in the fourth quarter. A fourth quarter that saw Ogwumike miss a put-back at the rim that could have won the game. She also missed a crucial free-throw that, given the final score, could have made a world of difference.

Now those plays aren't the sole reason the Sparks lost, far from it. But on a night when late-game officiating came into question and a night when Nneka Ogwumike was being celebrated as she heads into retirement, she took the mic and apologized to the Sparks' home crowd for missing the shot and missing the free-throw.

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She still allowed herself to enjoy the festivities and to revel in the jubilee, but she wouldn't be who she is without taking responsibility.

"I think that's just the competitor in me. I think I'm really big on it. I talk a lot about discipline and grinding through with grace. I'm still thinking about how I missed that free-throw," Ogwumike said during her postgame press conference, the final one of her career. "I know it might be silly because we're not playing in the postseason, but it's just how I like to play. And having that level of accountability is important. I think it's how it makes us better. I think it's what keeps us hungry, it keeps us driving. It keeps me wanting to be dangerously disciplined and just to be great."

The fourth quarter was filled with plenty of mistakes, many of which were equally as crucial as the two Ogwumike plays. The Sparks suffered breakdown after breakdown defensively, including the most egregious in the final seconds, helping off the strong side corner and allowing Valkyries All-Star wing Gabby Williams to get a wide-open 3-point shot that put them ahead.

But when Ogwumike's teammates heard her take ownership for the game's outcome, it wasn't a shock to them. That's the person they've come to know and love, and it would have been surprising to them if she didn't do that.

"I think that's just a testament to just who she is," Rae Burrell said during her postgame press conference. "That consistency, she's able to take accountability, but also just that moment to thank all the fans and the people around that have helped her, help us get to this point. She's just very thoughtful in that sense too. Just making sure that she thanked everybody in the speech … it was great."

Ogwumike finished her last WNBA game with 17 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and one steal in a game-high 35 minutes. She remained on the court long after the final buzzer sounded, long after her postgame speech, allowing teammates, family, fans and everyone else one last moment to appreciate and celebrate her presence.

And as the Sparks now head into uncharted waters with a future that is less certain than it was just a few months ago, Ogwumike hopes she can continue to be an example for a franchise that from top to bottom, would do well to follow her lead.

"I don't think I'll ever change in that way. And I hope that people understand that that's just the standard that I hold myself to," Ogwumike said. "And I'm grateful that, of course, people are showing love and support regardless. But hopefully me holding myself accountable is also something that we can carry on as we look to really turn this organization around."