Two Wins, One New Identity: What's Different About the LA Sparks?

 

Despite the recent loss of their superstar floor general, Kelsey Plum, the Los Angeles Sparks have found their groove recently with back-to-back wins.

Back-to-Back Double-Digit Wins

July 8 vs. Indiana Fever

Prior to this matchup with the Indiana Fever, the LA Sparks were on a 3-game losing streak, the third loss coming at the start of their 3-game homestand against the Seattle Storm. Each of these previous three losses were hard as the Sparks lost by 18+ points in each matchup. In one of those matchups, the Los Angeles Sparks took a 24-point loss to the Indiana Fever, making this second contest with the Fever a must-win as they already lost to them twice this season. If there was a mindset coming into this matchup for the Sparks it would simply be to play comfortably on offense and attack on defense. This is exactly what LA did as they shot a team field-goal percentage of 51%, three-point percentage of 45%, and 85% from the charity stripe. This was huge for the Sparks and a gamechanger as the Fever did not shoot nearly as well. Although Indiana's Kelsey Mitchell was able to put on a 29-point clinic, LA had their own share of dominance as each of their starters scored in double-figures. Leading the team in scoring, Nneka Ogwumike put up 24 points followed by 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Accompanying Ogwumike's commanding performance, Rae Burrell had 22 points, Dearica Hamby had 21 points, and both Ariel Atkins and Erica Wheeler contributed 12 points each. As you can assume by seeing the consistent scoring across each of LA's starters, they were passing the ball beautifully and selflessly as the team recorded 25 assists combined. This form of execution under pressure is what opened the door for the Sparks to pull away from the Fever in the second half to take the 106-92 victory.

July 10 vs. Chicago Sky

Coming off a demanding victory against the Indiana Fever, the Los Angeles Sparks were looking to capitalize on their momentum as they took on the Chicago Sky, a fellow heavily injured team. To start this matchup, it was anyone's game as both teams would take the lead on small scoring runs though allowing the other to tie it up again. Starting early in the first quarter, Kamilla Cardoso got the Sky started as well as Gabriela Jaquez off the bench. Cardoso had already put up 8 of her 15 total points in the contest and Jaquez contributed 9 of her 15 total points in the first quarter. As the Sky looked like promising contenders in this matchup early, Cardoso's scoring leadership would slow down quickly as she recorded her fourth foul early in the second half. As the Sparks' original starters began to flourish in the second half, the Sky began to fade. Nneka Ogwumike once again lead the pack with a 25-point 12-rebound and 5-assist double-double. This masterclass from Ogwumike was followed by 17 points from Dearica Hamby, Rae Burrell, and Ariel Atkins each, as well as 15 points and 8 assists from Erica Wheeler. It is through this offensive dominance in the second game in a row that we see the Sparks with good looks and converting their shots into buckets with selfless passes as the team recorded 32 assists on the night. Each of these things as well as the LA Sparks shooting 51% from the field and 45% from behind the arc are what lead them to a 102-87 victory, showing great promise amid the extended absence of Kelsey Plum.

The Blueprint Moving Forward

Taking into consideration the Los Angeles Sparks' recent success, there are a few things that they must continue doing to sustain it. What many consider is a no-brainer, the Sparks must continue to share the ball appropriately and well. LA recorded a combined total of 57 assists as a team in their two recent victories and it is through these numerous assists that the floor spacing has opened. What I mean by this is that in both matchups, every starter for the Sparks has scored in double-figures, making everyone a threat. So, when opponents stay tighter on a hot offense, the floor spacing will not only open for cutters, but also players that are not near one who possesses the ball. This was one of the keys to LA's previous success and is great to see despite their floor general, Kelsey Plum not currently playing. Two other things the Sparks must do is push the pace with their athleticism, while also maintaining overall control and efficient defense. These two things go hand-in-hand because if LA can capitalize on their opponents' offensive struggles by either recording steals or defensive rebounds, they can also dictate the tempo of the game by pushing the pace in transition. With all these in mind, it all comes down to playing as a team, and in their two previous games, the Los Angeles Sparks have done so beautifully.