LOS ANGELES -- The Sparks are back home after a close loss to the Mercury in Phoenix. Their opponents on Friday night? It’s a team that they’re familiar with by now: the Golden State Valkyries.
The last time these two faced each other was on Opening Day. Kelsey Plum ran circles around the Valkyries as she dropped 37 on them. The Sparks won the game handily.
It’s also the only win the Sparks have thus far this season. They have had bad starts coming out of halftime in their last two games and those were the main culprits on why they have two losses in their first three games.
“I gotta figure out when teams load up how to make them pay," Kelsey Plum said after their loss on Friday. "It is a new system, and so, a lot of times in this league, it's a fine line between (the) most aggressive player wins, but then also like Coach said, not trying to do it yourself, so definitely a learning experience."
While Plum had a late burst to get to 25 points in what ultimately was a futile comeback in Phoenix, it’s the eight turnovers that loomed large. But as Plum mentioned, it’s still early. And during this early start, Azurá Stevens is playing spectacularly, averaging 18.3 points and 9.3 boards in three games.
If they want to stay afloat, this contest is as must-win as it can get after four games. Going to 1-3 isn’t ideal for the Sparks if they want to make a run in 2025. The good news for them is that they’re going against a team they have already beaten this season. The bad news? Rickea Jackson is still out as she’s in the concussion protocol. And of course, Rae Burrell and Cameron Brink are out with their own injuries.
On the other side, the Valkyries have good news themselves. They defeated the Washington Mystics at home on Wednesday to get their first win in franchise history. But the not-so-good news is that Tiffany Hayes is not with the team as she sustained a bloody nose after a collision with Shakira Austin last Wednesday. Monique Billings is questionable with a right ankle while Cecilia Zandalasini is not available due to a right foot injury.
Veronica Burton scored 22 on Wednesday to help give G. State their first win in franchise history; can she follow up on that? They still have other players like Kayla Thornton, Julie Vanloo, and Temi Fagbenle to pick up the slack.
Both teams are wounded but the Sparks do have the psychological and home court advantage. They’ll need all the help they can get as they try to start their three-game home stand with a W.