Sparks’ Monique Akoa Makani pinpoints essential injury learning curve

LOS ANGELES – When the Los Angeles Sparks acquired Monique Akoa Makani in the blockbuster deadline trade with the Phoenix Mercury for Kelsey Plum, they knew they were getting a solid point guard who could quarterback the offense and provide a tough defensive presence. But unfortunately, she suffered an ankle injury in only her second game with the team.

Monique Akoa Makani missed five straight games following the injury, but she made her return to the Sparks’ lineup amid the team’s blowout loss to the Atlanta Dream on Thursday. The Sparks have eight games remaining on their regular season schedule, and they have already been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. But head coach Lynne Roberts was adamant that they still have something to play for, including extended run for the younger players, one of whom is Akoa Makani.

Following the loss to the Dream, the second-year guard spoke about what she was able to observe while sidelined as far as how she can best fit in during the final stretch of the regular season.

“I think just learning more about the team dynamics, what some players like to do, what are their habits cause as a point guard, I think it’s important to know how your teammates are getting comfortable on the court,” Akoa Makani said. “So that helped me being able to see that. I think I just need more reps now to be able to first, feel good for myself, and then I’ll be able to make everybody else feel good around me.”

Akoa Makani was hampered by foul trouble in her return, she picked up five fouls in 15 minutes. But she knocked down a nice midrange shot off the assist from Cameron Brink, drew a foul late in the game to get to the free-throw line and she dished out a couple of assists.

In the three games that she’s played in for the Sparks thus far, she’s averaging 4.3 points and 1.7 assists. During her time with the Mercury, she was a prolific 3-point shooter with a career average of 41 percent. She’s yet to connect on a 3-point shot with the Sparks, but by her own admission, she’s still adjusting to her new team and now, trying to work her way back into a rhythm after the injury.

“Honestly I was very anxious, just cause after coming back from injury I felt almost like it’s been years that I haven’t played basketball,” Akoa Makani said. “Just being able to catch that rhythm again and just give some grace to myself cause also there’s been a lot that’s been going on for me.”

Akoa Makani’s current contract runs through next season via the two-year contract she signed with the Mercury after her rookie year. Presumably the Sparks brass thinks enough of her having traded for her, that it’s reasonable to assume that she has a place on the roster next season.

Regardless of how the next eight games play out, it’s probably a good bet that the Sparks will want an extended look at Akoa Makani beginning with training camp.

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