SAN FRANCISCO -- The Sparks are possibly playing their biggest game in years.
Winners of three in a row and eight of nine games overall, the Los Angeles Sparks have found themselves in the playoff picture. About a month ago, this wouldn't even touch a conversation when they were 6-14.
On Saturday night, they will be playing the Golden State Valkyries in the first game of a back-to-back. Both teams are 14-15 and the winner after that game will take sole possession of the 8th and final playoff spot. There will still be 14 more games to play for the Sparks after Saturday but they'd be in a much better position than they were in the first week of July.
The Sparks have also scored 100 points in five of their last six games. That has never happened before in the existence of the league so the Sparks are making history right in front of everyone's eyes.
"I've compared this team to the '22 Aces team," Sparks forward Dearica Hamby said after Thursday's win against Connecticut. "Just having so much firepower and just being one of the fastest teams we've seen. We've scored 100 points in the last five out of six games. We're not done yet. We've got a lot more to accomplish, obviously, but I think Sparks basketball is back."
"Sparks basketball is back." The team has so much swagger and confidence right now. And it's hard not to after going 8-1 in their last nine.
Meanwhile, the Valkyries are trending down a bit. They've lost all-star Kayla Thornton for the rest of the season. They lost back-to-back games against the Las Vegas Aces. And they're in danger of falling off the Top 8.
Still, this is a Valkyrie team that defeated the Sparks in Los Angeles. They defeated them on May 23rd after a giant 26-1 run in the second quarter. And then on June 9th, the Valkyries outlasted the Sparks in overtime. But of course, Opening Day shouldn't be forgotten when Kelsey Plum rang up 37 against them.
Janelle Salaun and Carla Leite were big against the Sparks in those Valkyrie victories. They'll miss Thornton but they're still capable with players like Temi Fagbenle, Veronica Burton, Kate Martin, Iliana Rupert, Cecilia Zandalasini, and, of course, Tiffany Hayes.
What stood out in their last match-up was the rebounding. The Valkyries outrebounded the Sparks by 15.
But this Sparks team is much different now and completely healthy. Cameron Brink is back and has been incredible in her limited time. Rae Burrell returned last month and has been disruptive whenever she's on the court.
And of course, Julie Vanloo will make her return to Chase Center since being cut by the Valkyries. Revenge will certainly be on her mind.
“I really think about, oh, I'm being picked up by a great team and a great organization, and I really love the way they take care of people,” Vanloo said last month. “It's a huge difference (from) Golden State so I'm super happy.”
The Sparks have also been road warriors. They are 9-6 away from Los Angeles.
The stakes haven't been this high for the Sparks in a very long time. Not only is the 8th spot on the line but the Sparks have to show once again that they do belong.
And to show that Sparks basketball is indeed back.