MINNEAPOLIS — The Los Angeles Sparks, short-handed and still finding their rhythm, fell to 4-7 on the season following a lopsided 101–78 loss to the red-hot Minnesota Lynx on Saturday. While the final score was daunting, the underlying story of the game was one of a team battling adversity and seeking growth amidst transition.
Minnesota, now 10-1 and looking every bit like a championship contender, dominated from the outset. The Lynx buried nine three-pointers in the first half alone and built a lead that ballooned to 35 points. Four-time All-Star Napheesa Collier was virtually unstoppable, shooting a remarkable 81% from the floor en route to 32 points, further cementing her early-season MVP candidacy.
In contrast, the Sparks struggled to maintain cohesion amid a growing injury list and shifting roster. Already without key contributors Rae Burrell and rookie standout Cameron Brink, Los Angeles was also missing starting point guard Odyssey Sims (personal reasons) and veteran guard Julie Allemand, who was called away to join Belgium's national team. The team made a last-minute move by signing Shey Peddy to a hardship contract just hours before tip-off. The veteran guard, returning to WNBA action for the first time since 2023, contributed modestly with 3 points, 2 rebounds, and an assist in seven minutes.
Despite the overwhelming challenge, there were flashes of promise from the Sparks’ young core. Kelsey Plum, a stabilizing force, led L.A. with 20 points and four assists. Rookie Rickea Jackson continued to build on her breakout performance earlier in the week, following up her 30-point outing against the Aces with 18 points and 5 rebounds. While their efforts weren’t enough to change the outcome, they provided a glimpse into the future the franchise is betting on.
The defeat also mathematically eliminated the Sparks from contention in the Commissioner’s Cup with a final cup record of 2-3. Still, the team won the second half 52-43 — a small but meaningful indicator of the fight and resilience that head coach Curt Miller has preached all season.
“I’m not a ‘sound the alarm’ type of coach,” Miller said postgame. “You focus on what you’re doing well, build on it, and work on the details you need to improve. It’s one day at a time. I’m very process-driven. We are playing for September.”
The Sparks are amid a clear rebuild, and both the coaching staff and players have embraced the long view.
“We know we’re rebuilding,” said Jackson. “But I feel like we are truly trending in the right direction.”
Miller echoed that optimism, emphasizing that reinforcements will come. “When we get to full strength, it’s going to help us. But I love the guys we have now — and they’re playing their [expletive] off.”
Looking ahead, the Sparks will return home to Crypto.com Arena to host the Seattle Storm on Tuesday. While wins may be hard to come by in the short term, the bigger goal is cultivating chemistry, developing young talent, and peaking at the right time.
Analysis & Context:
The Sparks' current trajectory reflects a common pattern for WNBA teams in transition — flashes of brilliance tempered by inconsistency, especially when depth is tested. With rookies like Jackson showing promise and veterans like Plum leading by example, the key challenge is continuity. As of June 2025, the Sparks have one of the youngest cores in the league, and their ability to stay competitive despite significant absences underscores their long-term potential.
Meanwhile, Minnesota continues its climb as a league powerhouse. Collier’s dominance, combined with the Lynx’s disciplined defense and sharp perimeter shooting, makes them an early favorite for a deep playoff run.
As the Sparks recalibrate and recover their full lineup, their progress should be measured less by box scores and more by how their young talent evolves under pressure — and by how closely they align with their goal of being ready, not just for summer wins, but for a strong postseason push.
Related post
Follow us — @undraftedus
A better brand, built by Vaughn & Co. ©