There is only one WNBA playoff spot still up for grabs, and the Sparks are competing with the Storm for it.
The scenario is straightforward for Los Angeles; they need to win their last two remaining games, and Seattle must lose their final contest against the Valkyries for the Sparks to secure a postseason berth.
This means every game is now a must-win scenario, starting with their road matchup against the Mercury on Tuesday.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Sparks vs. Phoenix Mercury
When: Sep. 9, 7:00 p.m. PT
Where: PHX Arena
Watch: WNBA League Pass
Los Angeles beating Phoenix won’t be easy; the Mercury have won all three previous contests against the Sparks this season. For the Sparks to change their luck against the Mercury, they’ll have to do a better job of containing MVP candidate Alyssa Thomas.
She is averaging a triple-double against the Sparks this year with 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 11 assists across two games. Thomas didn’t play in the Sparks-Mercury matchup back in June due to a calf strain.
What makes Thomas such a tough player to defend is that she dominates by primarily distributing the ball and cleaning up the glass. So, it’s hard to focus on her as Thomas’ main objective is to get her teammates involved.
With the Sparks being a defensively weak team, this could be a recipe for disaster. They’ll have to be better in this contest than they were in previous ones if they want the result to go their way.
On the plus side, the Sparks’ offense continues to perform well. They are fresh off a dominant 91-77 win over Dallas, where Julie Allemand was literally perfect, making all eight field goal attempts and both of her free throws.
Allemand shouldn’t be expected to remain perfect for this upcoming game, but if she can continue to score, it’ll give L.A. a much-needed boost.
At this point, the Sparks are who they are. Head coach Lynne Roberts is running a tight rotation of seven to eight players, and they’ll have to step up and earn a necessary win against a team that is better than them on paper.
If they’re able to do that and the Storm fall to the Valkyries on Tuesday, they’ll be set up to make it to the postseason, as long as they beat the Aces on Thursday.
If they lose, or the Storm win, however, then their four-year playoff drought will be extended to five.
Notes and Updates
For the Sparks’ injury report, Rickea Jackson (right lower leg) is probable, while Kelsey Plum (left foot) is questionable.
Phoenix has no injuries to report.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
0 Comments