A groundbreaking moment in basketball history just unfolded, and it’s a must-see for every sports enthusiast. But here’s where it gets even more remarkable: Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby didn’t just make history—she redefined it. As a standout member of the Vinyl Club in the 3-on-3 Unrivaled league, Hamby became the first player ever to score a staggering 40 points in a single game, achieving this feat in just 17 minutes of play and shooting an impressive 16-of-23 from the field.
And this is the part most people miss: Hamby’s dominance didn’t stop at scoring. She also grabbed 10 rebounds (4 offensive) and dished out 2 assists, propelling the Vinyl to an 89-66 victory over the Hive Club. Her performance wasn’t just a solo act—teammates Rhyne Howard (18 points), Erica Wheeler (14 points), and Courtney Williams (12 points) played pivotal roles in securing the team’s first win of the season. Meanwhile, the Hive, still winless, were led by Sonia Citron (17 points), Monique Billings (17 points), Kelsey Mitchell (15 points), and Ezi Magbegor (12 points).
But here’s the controversial part: While Hamby humbly credited her team’s seamless ball movement for her success, Vinyl head coach Theresa Weatherspoon boldly declared Hamby the architect of her own triumph. “She’s the ultimate teammate,” Weatherspoon said, highlighting Hamby’s ability to set screens, create opportunities, and showcase exceptional vision on the court. This raises a thought-provoking question: Is individual brilliance or team synergy more crucial in achieving such historic feats?
At 32, Hamby is undeniably in the prime of her career. Fresh off a WNBA season where she averaged career-best numbers (18.4 points on 57.2% shooting), the three-time All-Star (2021, 2022, 2024) and two-time Sixth Woman of the Year (2019, 2020) is now making waves in Unrivaled. Co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, this professional women’s basketball league features some of the WNBA’s biggest names, including Paige Bueckers, Kelsey Plum, and Aliyah Boston.
And this is where it gets even more intriguing: Hamby’s WNBA success isn’t just translating to Unrivaled—it’s elevating her game to new heights. Currently the league’s third-leading scorer, she’s trailing only Chelsea Gray, who averages 31.7 points per game. “She’s added so much to her game,” Weatherspoon noted, praising Hamby’s unwavering confidence. “Nights like this are just the beginning.”
As Hamby continues to dominate both leagues, it’s clear her impact extends beyond the court. She’s not just a player—she’s a trailblazer, redefining what’s possible in women’s basketball. But here’s the question we’re left with: Is Dearica Hamby the future of the sport, or is she already its present? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss.
