Sparks lose Brink, fall to Sun after too many turnovers

It's one thing for the Sparks to lose a game. It's another when a player goes down in injury to go along with that.

Rookie sensation Cameron Brink suffered a first-quarter knee injury and the Connecticut Sun were led by five players scoring in double figures as they ran away with a 79-70 victory over the Sparks on Tuesday night at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Brink got tangled up driving to the basketball duringthe first quarter. She had to be helped off the floor and would end up not returning to the game.

Turnovers continue to be a problem for the Sparks as they gave it away 22 times (14 in the first half). It's no surprise as the Sun have been the best defensive team all season long. The Sparks had to play a near-perfect game to have a chance but it's tough when they couldn't get as many shots on goal, which coach Curt Miller had preached all season long.

Still, Miller found some positives in this game that the Sun had control for the most part. Such as the Sparks shooting .523 for the game.

"While we're one of only three teams to shoot over 50 percent against them... I thought we did some really nice things offensively and executed to what we looked for, it was turnovers that... 30 points off of our turnovers was the disappointment," Miller said.

Aari McDonald replaced Layshia Clarendon in the starting line-up and started for the first time this season. She ended up leading the team in scoring with 14 points.

"I definitely think my mindset has shifted a little bit just starting," McDonald said. "'Cause usually when (Layshia Clarendon) starts, I'm able to see how teams are guarding us and is guarding our actions. But starting tonight... a couple of plays I had to wait and see and adjust to see how they were guarding us."

Li Yueru scored 11 off the bench and did very well against a tough Connecticut defense.

"As for me, I only think of the right things," Li said. "Focus on defense, focus on the right play, and focus on catching rebounds. I try to adjust and focus on one thing. Don't think too much."

The Sparks did cut the deficit to five in the third quarter before a 21-7 run by the Sun blew the game open. Connecticut led by as many as 19 points in the game. Still, L.A. fought 'til the end to make the final score look more respectable.

"Our team grit comes from we're all competitive as individuals," McDonald said. "We don't want to lose. Despite the deficit, how we were down, I just like our fight and how we stay together."

As for Brink's injury, Miller spoke about unintended consequences.

"We're praying. We're hoping for the best for Cam (Brink)," Miller said. "But unintended consequences of injuries are gonna open the door for someone like Li (Yueru) for even more minutes if that happens to be necessary or the case.

"Unfortunately, the best teams don't always win in the WNBA; the healthiest teams win. And we send well-wishes to all other 11 teams to stay healthy."

Rickea Jackson scored 10 to make it three straight games with double figures. Dearica Hamby struggled as she only went for eight points and five rebounds. As for the Sun, all five starters were in double digits. DeWanna Bonner led them with 16 points.

Brink will be re-evaluated on Wednesday to determine the severity of the injury. There was a bit of a promising update, though, from WNBA analyst and Sun sideline reporter Terrika Foster-Brasby:

In the meantime, the Sparks, who are now 0-4 on this road trip, will go to New York for two games against the Liberty on Thursday and Saturday.