Julie Allemand’s Spark: How the Belgian Point Guard Fuels L.A.’s Playoff Push

Los Angeles Sparks point guard Julie Allemand at Crypto Arena - Photo by Jackie Rae

The Los Angeles Sparks have reached the point in the season where every game is a must-win if they want to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. To get there, they'll need to put Wednesday's tough loss to the Atlanta Dream behind them and lean on another strong performance from Belgian point guard Julie Allemand.

Allemand rarely leads the Sparks in scoring, but her impact is undeniable. When she’s on the floor, Los Angeles’ offensive rating improves by nearly 10 points per 100 possessions—a stat she knows well and hopes to extend during the team’s final push.

When I came back from Euro-Basket[ball], especially for me — I'm a back-to-back-champion. And so, I have a lot more confidence," Allemand explained. She added that understanding her teammates’ preferences—how they like to receive the ball, where they want it, and when—helps her facilitate the game and anticipate mistakes on either end of the floor.

Julie Allemand on her impact, energy, and how she avoids burnout.

Off the court, Allemand admits she’s naturally shy, but her energy in conversation mirrors the spark she brings in competition. “I'm someone who likes to play with energy. And I like to have that connection with the fans too,” she said.

“Because they are just watching us, and I know they will be with us on the court. That’s why I think playing with emotions is so important. That’s why I like being everywhere, trying to steal the ball — it’s not just about making scores. It’s about everything. And that last thing that is going to make the difference.” 

That mindset comes from perspective. Just two years ago, Allemand endured a basketball burnout. Now, she not only embraces the court as her happy place but also prioritizes her mental balance to sustain her love of the game. “When we have a little break, I’m not going to think about basketball,” she said.

Instead, she turns to simple joys: a good meal, a great view, and maybe a glass of white wine—rituals that allow her to recharge so she can give her all once she’s back in uniform. “I have this fire inside of me, and that’s so important.”

Allemand will channel that fire as the Sparks look for redemption against the Dream on Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Atlanta, before returning home to face Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.

For Los Angeles, the formula is simple: lean on veterans like Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby, trust young stars like Rickea Jackson, and let Julie Allemand set the tempo. If the Sparks can follow her lead—balancing poise, energy, and passion—they may just achieve their goal of a postseason appearance.