According to the Los Angeles Sparks, the team is working to overcome early-game deficits and inconsistent starts as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season. Despite knowing they will not be making the playoffs, head coach Lynne Roberts and her players are focused on building for the future while pursuing wins in their remaining matchups, including a Monday night home game against the Atlanta Dream at Crypto.com Arena.
Sparks Address Early-Game Struggles After Breaking Losing Streak
Success has been fleeting for the Los Angeles Sparks this season. According to head coach Lynne Roberts, slow starts have forced the team into difficult comebacks from double-digit deficits during the first half of games.
“That’s been our Achilles heel this season,” Roberts stated prior to a 77-68 victory against Connecticut that snapped a six-game losing streak. “Sometimes we come out great. Sometimes we come out a little lukewarm, and in this league you just get punched in the face when that happens, and that’s been happening. It’s a choice.”
Rae Burrell and Erica Wheeler Drive Recent Performance
Guard Rae Burrell led Los Angeles with 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting in the win over the Sun. Averaging a career-high 14.4 points, Burrell attributed her success to growing comfort and confidence.
“I think just being comfortable, honestly,” Burrell said. “It just makes it so much easier when you’re comfortable out there. When you know your teammates and coaches, and they’ve got your back. Just being able to play with that confidence. I think that’s helped me play more freely and put me in great positions.”
However, veteran point guard Erica Wheeler noted that ball security remains an area for improvement. The Sparks committed 24 turnovers against Connecticut while recording just 19 assists.
“I think sometimes we get a little bit too greedy in moments versus just sticking to what works,” Wheeler said after finishing with 11 points and a team-high five assists against Connecticut. “That just comes with getting better each game, but when we share the ball, typically, we win the game.”
Redemption Opportunity Against the Atlanta Dream
The Sparks (13-24, 11th place) host the Atlanta Dream (24-13, 4th place) at Crypto.com Arena Monday night. The matchup offers a prime opportunity for redemption following a 124-88 defeat on Aug. 20, a game in which Atlanta was up by 42 points in the fourth quarter. In that meeting, Rhyne Howard scored 26 points with five 3-pointers, while Angel Reese recorded 20 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists on 9-of-9 shooting to help the Dream set a franchise record with 124 points.
On Saturday night, Reese delivered a stellar performance with 31 points (a career high) and 14 rebounds to secure her 25th double-double of the campaign, propelling Atlanta past Phoenix 99-89 and locking up a playoff spot. A few days prior against the Sparks, Reese fell just two assists shy of a triple-double after shooting a perfect 9-for-9 for 20 points alongside 10 rebounds and eight assists, a performance that definitively dashed L.A.’s faint postseason aspirations.
“Every time we play, we want to win,” Roberts said regarding the upcoming rematch. “Coach to win. Sub to win. Compete to win, but there is also, you have to balance that with building and the future, the young players, so it’s kind of a tightrope.”
Game Details
- When: Monday, 7 p.m.
- Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
- TV: Peacock, NBCSN, Spectrum SportsNet
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current record of the Los Angeles Sparks?
The Sparks hold a 13-24 record and sit in 11th place in the standings.
Who led the Sparks in scoring during their win over Connecticut?
Guard Rae Burrell led the team with 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting.
When and where is the upcoming game against the Atlanta Dream?
The game takes place Monday at 7 p.m. at Crypto.com Arena and will be broadcast on Peacock, NBCSN, and Spectrum SportsNet.
Pro Tip for Fans
To watch the upcoming matchup against Atlanta, check local listings for Spectrum SportsNet or stream the game live via Peacock and NBCSN.