Riding a five-game losing streak, the Sparks hope to head into the Olympic break on a high note Sunday against the Minnesota Lynx.
Through the halfway point of the season, the Sparks (6-12) have remained competitive in many games, despite significant injuries, but they have struggled to close out games. The Sparks score a league-worst 17.8 points in the fourth quarter.
The first matchup against the Lynx (11-7) on June 12 followed a similar pattern, Los Angeles tied the game starting the final period after overcoming a double-digit deficit, but ultimately lost 80-64.
“You can’t replace the experience playing close games together,” Sparks coach Derek Fisher said. “We’ve seen growth from our team from several of our players, to be honest, that are getting these experiences for the first time.”
The Sparks have proved they’re a legitimate force defensively despite the losses, holding the two highest scoring teams, the Las Vegas Aces and Seattle Storm, well below their points per game averages during one of the toughest stretches of the season.
Los Angeles’ defensive kick-starter, Brittney Sykes, said the defense they played in their last two series against the WNBA’s top two teams was exhausting, but that it didn’t take away from their energy offensively.
In the last matchup, guard Kristi Toliver, along with Te’a Cooper and Amanda Zahui B., made an impact for the Sparks offensively. Toliver will miss her sixth-straight game healing from a facial laceration.
Fisher said she’s smiling and looking like herself again after getting her stitches removed last week, and the discoloration on her face beginning to fade.
Both Nneka (left knee) and Chiney Ogwumike (right knee), who haven’t played in well over a month, will also miss the last Sparks’ game before they return on August 15.
The Olympic break will give the Sparks what they’ve craved all season — time. Time to get healthy, time to practice and time to get reacclimated.
Sykes said for two weeks she plans to take herself away from basketball to re-center herself.“I’m so serious when I say I do nothing,” the Sparks guard said. “Being a human is what I look forward to.”
But before looking ahead to the five-week break, Sykes and company are focused on the final game and a chance to end the longest losing streak in the league. They’ll just have to close.
“It’s in our hands to win this game,” Sparks guard Karlie Samuelson said. “I think we’re confident and we really would like to end this little stint with a win.”
"close" - Google News
July 11, 2021 at 06:55AM
https://ift.tt/3xwSkd6
Sparks Look to Close out on a high note before Olympic Break - LA Daily News
"close" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2QTYm3D
https://ift.tt/3d2SYUY
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Sparks Look to Close out on a high note before Olympic Break - LA Daily News"
Post a Comment