The Los Angeles Sparks have had their share of woes this season. They’ve lost rookie Cameron Brink to a season-ending injury, Lexie Brown is out again dealing with her medical issues, and at this writing, Azurá Stevens is listed as out. Depending on the source, the Minnesota Lynx has both Napheesa Collier and Olivia Époupa as out or GTD.
Los Angeles is currently in 10th place with a record of 5-16, while Minnesota holds 3rd place at 15-6. But as we’ve seen all season, records don’t seem to matter much on a game-to-game basis. Of the seven losses for the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, the Sparks have beaten them twice. So far the Lynx have split with the Aces, but have handed them their only double-digit loss. Minnesota has beaten Los Angeles twice, once at home and once on the road. Make of that what you will.
Los Angeles and Minnesota Ahead of Their Matchup
The Sparks would obviously like to stay a little longer in the winning column. They’ve only won back-to-back games once. The Lynx, who have dipped some that past couple of weeks, would like to regain a head of steam going into the Olympic break to solidify their position in the top portion of the league. Without Collier, they pulled out a win against Washington in their last game. The Sparks lost to Phoenix after beating the Aces. Dearica Hamby has been a standout for Los Angeles.
LA bound. 😎 pic.twitter.com/ovI2G3xMWW
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) July 8, 2024
Stephanie Talbot has recently come alive, and if she returns to Tuesday’s game, she will certainly have the opportunity to contribute. Rickea Jackson and Aari McDonald can also give the Sparks some solid minutes. If Bridget Carleton and Kayla McBride can get back to some more consistent play, the three-ball will drop quite a bit. Courtney Williams and Alanna Smith need to continue to do what they do so well, and the bench is going to have to take it up a couple of notches.
We can no longer say who should or shouldn’t win. This season is just too unpredictable. Home game, away game, it doesn’t really matter. The Lynx are 5-4 on the road and the Sparks are 4-6 at home.
Final Thoughts
In the end, everyone who steps onto the court for both of these teams needs to contribute. Without Collier, Minnesota needs to fill the gap. Los Angeles seems to be a team that wins by committee, not having a true standout scorer. That’s what makes these games both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.
Minnesota has to keep its collective foot on the defensive pedal, guard the paint, and score consistently from the perimeter. When I have watched Los Angeles, I often wonder what the plan is. If it is simply to win at all costs, well, OK. They are something of a head-scratcher.
In any event, neither team can afford any lull, cold shooting streak, or breakdown. Point cushions seem to be harder to come by these days. Even if one team has one, there is no guarantee it will stick. Let’s hope for a good, competitive game.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
Follow Beyond Women’s Sports for more from the world of sports.
