Sparks Find Their Rhythm with Consecutive Wins Before All-Star Break

Dearica Hamby, Julie Vanloo, Kelsey Plum and Rickea Jackson during game against Washington Mystics. Photo by Jackie Rae

For the first time this season, the Los Angeles Sparks have won back-to-back games. With their eighth win, they have also tied their win record from last season.

Ahead of Tuesday's game against the Washington Mystics, Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts emphasized that a failing defense has been the team's Achilles' heel—a notable weak spot, considering the team ranks third in the league in shooting percentage despite having roster issues. “Offensively in all categories, we are in the top half of everything," Roberts said. “Where we've got to get better is defensively." 

The Sparks clearly received that message. The team committed only 10 turnovers compared to the Mystics' 17. Julie Allemand may have scored just three points, but her facilitation made the difference. With 10 assists and only one turnover, Allemand directed the offense and kept the team moving at a high pace.

Rickea Jackson, who contributed 22 points, believes this level of play is the recipe for the Sparks' continued success. "When we're flying around on both ends of the floor, with pace moving the ball as we do — we all are going to play good," she said.

Dearica Hamby led the Sparks with 26 points, Azura Stevens added 15, and Kelsey Plum contributed 20, putting the game out of reach for the Mystics, who had only two starters in double digits.

Although the Sparks finally have momentum, it will be interrupted by the WNBA All-Star break. Plum will compete in the All-Star three-point competition and says it's essential for the entire team to use the time off wisely.

"It's really good to just get mentally, physically, emotionally away to be able to reset," she said. The team must also focus on all aspects of their winning performance.

"Just remembering how these feelings feel," she said. "I thought tonight was the best in terms of our pace, and the way we shared the ball and the way we moved."

Seeing the Sparks in a good space for the first time this season is exactly the momentum Roberts wants to build. Still, she's not taking any chances.

After the Sparks' 88-82 win over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, Roberts said the team told her she had to keep her crimped hairstyle to ensure another win. Fans should expect to see the style for some time.

Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts. Photo by Jackie Rae

"That's a natural curl; there is no crimping iron," she said. "I'm superstitious, so it will stay this way."

The Sparks will face the Mystics again after the All-Star break on July 22 in Washington.