Here’s a rewritten version of the content in my own words:
Discover the exciting momentum of the Los Angeles Sparks.
Coming off one of the hottest streaks in the league, the Sparks, with a 15-16 record at the All-Star break, are now on the verge of clinching a spot in the postseason as of Tuesday morning. The team has impressively won nine of its last 11 games, a run comparable to that of the league-leading Minnesota Lynx. Just a month ago, the Sparks had a disappointing 6-14 record.
The Sparks’ offense has ignited recently, especially after settling into a consistent starting lineup just before the break, making them a thrilling team to watch. This season, the WNBA has seen the Sparks score at least 100 points in 28 games, tying with the Lynx for the most 100-point games at five apiece. All of Los Angeles’s high-scoring games happened within a six-game stretch from July 24 to August 7. Since the break, they’ve averaged 92.4 points per game, second only to the Lynx’s 93.9.
While many teams grapple with injuries, the Sparks are enjoying their healthiest roster of the season. Key point guard Julie Allemand returned from winning the Eurobasket title, leading coach Lynn Roberts to start the lineup of Allemand, Deaika Humvee, Ricky Jackson, Kelsey Plum, and Azura Stevens. Together, this group boasts a 10-4 record, while alternative lineups have struggled with a 5-12 mark.
Allemand’s return has relieved Kelsey Plum from dual responsibilities of playmaking and scoring. Before Allemand started on July 3, Plum averaged 16.1 shot attempts per game, ranking third in the league and nearly matching Caitlin Clark’s 15.7 attempts. Plum shot 38% from the field and 33.6% from beyond the arc, but the team stood at 5-11, ranked 11th with a small lead over Connecticut.
Since Allemand’s inclusion, Plum’s attempt rate has decreased to 12.3 per game (20th in the league), but her shooting accuracy has improved to 46.5%, with a 40.6% three-point shooting percentage. Moreover, her assists rose to a career-high 6.1 per game.
However, the Sparks face challenges on the defensive end, allowing at least 91 points even in their wins against teams like Seattle, Indiana, and Connecticut. They have the league’s worst defensive average, giving up 87.8 points per game, which results in a negative net rating of -2.4 despite their offensive prowess. While the Sparks have allowed 100 points twice this season, teams like the Aces, Liberty, and Sun have conceded this mark even more frequently.
The return of Cameron Brink from an ACL injury on July 29 should help bolster the defense, especially in reducing points allowed in the paint, which currently ranks second highest at 38.3 per game. Brink, a second-year center, is an elite rim protector with 13 blocks in 85 minutes, ranking her among the top 40 shot blockers.
The rise of the Sparks coincides with the struggles of other teams like the Seattle Storm, who have plummeted from home-court advantage status to the edge of playoff exclusion, suffering losses to Los Angeles in close games, including a double-overtime 108-106 win on August 1 and a 94-91 loss on August 7. The Storm, who recently enjoyed a five-game winning streak, now face a tough fight to remain competitive.
With playoff spots heating up, the Las Vegas Aces, Seattle Storm, Sparks, and Washington Mystics are all within 1.5 games, battling for the last two postseason positions. According to Tankathon, the Mystics and Sparks have relatively easier schedules ahead, having already completed their series against tough teams like Minnesota and yet to face Dallas. In contrast, Seattle is grappling with a challenging remaining schedule, including matches against strong teams such as the Lynx and Liberty.
The early part of August epitomizes the intense WNBA rivalry and the importance of every game for teams like the Sparks and Storm.
Player of the Week: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Aces coach Becky Hammon summed it up best: "A’ja is A’ja." The reigning MVP averaged 29.3 points, 13 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game while helping Las Vegas sweep their three games. Her shooting was phenomenal: 72.7% from the field and a perfect 11-for-11 at the free-throw line. On her 29th birthday in Seattle, she scored 29 points with 12 rebounds and topped off the week with her first 30-point, 20-rebound game.
Wilson’s dominance is key as Las Vegas seeks to solidify its position in a league tightly contested by New York and Indiana, both at 18-14 records with Las Vegas.
Game of the Week: New York vs. Everyone
The New York Liberty face a crucial rival week, playing three tough matches against league opponents. Any slip could allow Atlanta to catch them in the standings, as both teams hold a 20-11 record, one game ahead of Phoenix. This week could shape their postseason hopes and be remembered as a turning point.
Yahoo Sports Power Rankings
- Minnesota Lynx (27-5)
- Atlanta Dream (20-11)
- New York Liberty (20-11)
- Phoenix Mercury (19-12)
- Las Vegas Aces (18-14)
- Golden State Valkyries (15-15)
- Los Angeles Sparks (15-16)
- Indiana Fever (18-14)
- Seattle Storm (16-16)
- Washington Mystics (14-17)
- Dallas Wings (8-24)
- Chicago Sky (8-23)
- Connecticut Sun (5-25)
Fan Take:
The Sparks’ resurgence highlights how pivotal team health and chemistry are in a tightly contested WNBA season, making every game crucial down the stretch. For fans, this thrilling playoff chase promises intense matchups and showcases the incredible talent and resilience across the league, helping elevate the sport’s profile and grow its passionate audience.
