The Los Angeles Sparks are on a roll, and it's all thanks to their star duo, Erica Wheeler and Nneka Ogwumike. These two have been on fire, combining for 41 points in their recent 92-87 win over the Washington Mystics. But what makes this even more impressive is that Kelsey Plum, their usual go-to player, was out with an ankle injury. So, the pressure was on, and these two stepped up big time.
Wheeler, in particular, had a breakout performance, scoring 14 of her season-high 21 points in the fourth quarter. This is a significant improvement from her previous six games, where she only scored 33 points in total. Ogwumike, who was also dealing with a hand injury, returned to the court and contributed 20 points and 11 rebounds. It's clear that these two are the driving force behind the Sparks' recent success.
But it's not just about Wheeler and Ogwumike. The Sparks are also counting on their other players to step up. Cameron Brink and Dearica Hamby both had solid performances, with Brink tying her season high with 16 points and Hamby contributing 14 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. Coach Lynne Roberts praised the team's toughness and resilience, especially without Plum, which is a testament to their depth and determination.
Now, the Sparks are gearing up for a challenging match against the league-worst Connecticut Sun. The Sun is playing their final season in Hartford before moving to Houston, and they're looking to make a statement. Connecticut has struggled this season, with five of their losses coming by double digits, and they're currently on a three-game losing streak. However, Aneesah Morrow has been a bright spot for the team, leading them in scoring in the past two games.
The Sparks will need to bring their A-game if they want to come out on top. They'll have to defend against the Sun's key players, including Morrow and the returning Leila Lacan, who averaged 10.4 points last season. With Plum out, the Sparks will have to rely on their entire roster to step up and contribute.
This game is a perfect example of the Sparks' resilience and depth. They've shown that they can adapt and overcome challenges, even without their star player. It will be interesting to see how they fare against a struggling Connecticut team, and whether they can continue their winning streak. One thing's for sure: the Sparks are a force to be reckoned with, and they're not going to be easy to beat.
