The Los Angeles Sparks discovered the correct of rhythm previous to the quick WNBA All-Star break, and they are going to be seeking to keep that after they go to the Washington Mystics on Tuesday.
It will likely be a rematch of the newest recreation for every crew. The Sparks blew out visiting Washington 99-80 final Tuesday within the closing recreation for the groups earlier than the hiatus. Three Los Angeles gamers reached the 20-point mark within the recreation, led by Dearica Hamby’s 26.
“I feel we’re beginning to determine it out, and being wholesome helps,” Sparks coach Lynne Roberts stated.
Mystics coach Sydney Johnson stated he noticed room for enchancment from his membership.
“They uncovered just a little little bit of our weaknesses,” Johnson stated. “There are some issues I can assist our gamers with to assist us play higher.”
Defensive breakdowns within the first assembly will have to be addressed, Johnson stated. The Mystics (11-11) will purpose to get again on monitor after their three-game successful streak was snapped in Los Angeles.
“They’re a terrific frontcourt, versatile,” stated forward-center Shakira Austin, who led Washington with 16 factors in opposition to the Sparks. “They have been just a little extra bodily. Now we have to cease being the much less bodily crew.”
The Sparks (8-14) are bracing for a distinct strategy from the Mystics.
“They will come at us otherwise,” stated Kelsey Plum, who leads the Sparks in scoring with 20.1 factors per recreation. “We all know that, so simply be ready for that.”
The Sparks are nonetheless adjusting below Roberts. She is in her first season on the Los Angeles bench after being employed to switch the fired Curt Miller.
“It is simply time collectively and within the system and it takes a minute,” Roberts stated. “We simply acquired to maintain our foot on the gasoline as a gaggle.”
A key contributor for Los Angeles has been Julie Allemand, who dished out 10 assists final week in opposition to Washington. The Sparks have been plus-22 with Allemand on the court docket, regardless that she scored solely three factors in 32 minutes.
“That is exhausting to do,” Roberts stated of the plus-minus ratio. “Her worth can’t be unspoken.”
Brittney Sykes is Washington’s prime scorer at 17.1 factors per recreation, and he or she was added as an damage substitute for the All-Star Recreation. Rookie teammates Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen additionally represented the Mystics on the All-Star Recreation.
“They’re checking a whole lot of containers,” Johnson stated of his crew. “They’re working. They’re getting higher. There’s humility.”
Mystics guard Sug Sutton stated the primary half of the season was a stretch of attending to know one another.
“We nonetheless have one other 22 video games,” Sutton stated. “I feel we have been doing good, holding one another accountable.”
–Area Stage Media