The Los Angeles Sparks are still trying to find their rhythm, but one thing has become painfully clear, the third quarter is their Achilles’ heel. They’ve opened the season 2–6, and in every one of those six losses, they’ve been outscored in the third quarter. Conversely, both wins featured third-quarter advantages which is a clear key to turning close games in their favor.
Last Sunday’s collapse against Phoenix was the latest example. They had a 13-point halftime lead that turned into a five-point defeat when the Sparks managed just nine points in the third quarter and were outscored by 18 in the second half.
“We know third quarters have certainly been a struggle,” guard Odyssey Sims said after the game. “We keep saying the same things over and over, kind of beating a dead horse at this point. It’s going to be less talking and more doing.”
Rebounding woes have also hindered the team. Los Angeles ranks second from the bottom in the WNBA in overall rebounding and third worst in defensive rebounding, often allowing second-chance points that erase any early momentum. Despite ranking near the top of the league in steals, those defensive stops haven’t consistently translated into wins as the Sparks give up 84 points per game.
Kelsey Plum, the Sparks’ big acquisition from the Aces last offseason, has been a bright spot, leading the team with 23 points per game. However, she struggled in the loss to Phoenix, shooting 4-of-19 from the field, 2-of-10 from deep, and going 0-for-4 down the stretch. “I just didn’t have any legs,” Plum said. “I had four really good looks that felt good coming out of my hand. I’ll hit them next time.” Plum leads the Sparks not only in points but also in assists, steals, and unfortunately, turnovers. She also leads the league in steals (2.7) and three-pointers made per game (3.3).
“It’s frustrating, right? We’re a competitive group. I believe in them wholly,” said first-year head coach Lynne Roberts. “We had eight threes in the first half and we finished with eight. We just didn’t make shots,” she said when asked about last Sunday’s second-half meltdown.
Part of the inconsistency stems from a rotating lineup. Rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker was thrust into the starting role after Rickea Jackson went down but was recently replaced by Julie Allemand in the starting five. Key players like Jackson (personal reasons), Rae Burrell (no timetable), and Cameron Brink (expected back in June) remain unavailable.
Sims highlighted the adjustment period under a new coach and system. “Every day we’re trying to get better and trying to figure out how she (coach) wants us to play and how we can execute. It’s not about individual performance. As a team, we’ve got to be better all around.”
Next up for the Sparks is a Friday night road matchup against Paige Bueckers and the struggling, 1–7 Dallas Wings. They return home for a game against the Golden State Valkyries Monday at 7 p.m.