WNBA/ SPARKS

Photo By: Brianne Ingram/TGN Sports

Not enough spark to make a playoff push
Published: August 16, 2022
By Mykell Mathieu

Lofty expectations and marquee names were not enough for the Los Angeles Sparks to secure a spot in this year’s WNBA playoffs.

The departure of a WNBA star, injuries, and a mid-season coaching change derailed the season for LA.

Nneka Ogwumike put together an MVP-caliber season but didn’t get enough help on or off the court to bring out the best of the team.

The supporting players brought in by Los Angeles didn’t pan out as planned. The additions of names like Jordin Canada, Chenndey Carter, Katie Lou Samuelson, and Liz Cambage underperformed most of the season. Cambage, who was expected to be an All-Star and critical figure to help push the Sparks into the playoffs, not only underperformed but walked out on the team on July 26th when she abruptly quit.

Things went downhill from there for the ladies in purple & gold. After Cambage’s departure, the team went 1-8 to finish the season and was officially eliminated from the playoffs on August 11th after a 93-69 trouncing by the Connecticut Sun.

After one of the most demanding starts to the season in league history, the season took a toll on the Sparks.

An emotional Brittney Sykes discussed what she learned from this season after the team’s final game. “This season was hard. There were many times this season I felt I don’t want to do it; I
don’t want to deal with it,” Sykes said through tears. “It was a long season. I’m proud of my team because we could’ve given up in May, but we didn’t and still had chances.”

Ogwumike was reflective but didn’t have the answer as to how the season got derailed. “You don’t have to have all the answers. Sometimes things happen. You have to try to be your best self every day,” said Ogwumike.

When asked if Ogwumike is thinking about playing elsewhere next season, she gave a resounding, “No.”

Looking ahead to next season, the Sparks will not only have roster decisions to make but also decide what they do at the head coach position as coach Fred Williams interim status concluded with the season’s end. Coach Williams stated he would like to return, but there has been no word if the feeling is mutual for Los Angeles.

From a team that had high hopes entering the season, Los Angeles is left with a litany of uncertainties heading into the offseason. It remains to be seen if LA can regain their winning form.

The onus now falls squarely on the shoulders of Los Angeles Sparks President, Vanessa Shay. It will be Shay’s moves that determine if the Sparks are to return to the playoffs.

Photo By: Eric Lambkins/TGN Sports

LIZ CAMBAGE BREAKS DEAL WITH LOS ANGELES SPARKS.

Liz Cambage terminates contract with the Sparks
Published: July 26, 2022
By Mykell Mathieu

Center Liz Cambage terminates deal with the Sparks with only 9 games remaining in the season. Health and other issues led to Cambage making this late season decision.

The Sparks will look to All Star forward Nneka Ogwumike to carry even more weight on her shoulders with this shocking move. LA will also look to Chiney Ogwumike & Olivia Nelson Ododa to step up to take the minutes leftover with Liz’ departure.

The Sparks are in a fight to hold onto a playoff spot as they are now positioned 6th, tied with the Dallas Wing. If the Sparks don’t finish strong they could easily come up short to their postseason dreams.

Not enough spark to make a playoff push
Published: August 16, 2022
By Mykell Mathieu

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Not enough spark to make a playoff pushPublished: August 16, 2022​By Mykell Mathieu

Los Angeles SPARKS

General

Contact

Schedule

Not enough spark to make a playoff push
Published: August 16, 2022
By Mykell Mathieu