When your back is against the wall, there are two types of people. One, that will submit to the wall and give up upon adversity. An the other, that will find a way to get up off the wall and fight against adversity. Guess which option, the Detroit native of the Los Angeles Sparks Rickea Jackson picked.
The Sparks have approximately 11 games left to save their season. When asked about it in the morning shoot-around in the last game versus the New York Liberty, the current mindset of the team was highlighted simply from the Sparks young star.
"Making playoffs is our number one goal, getting that playoff spot." Jackson stated. With the WNBA season more than 75% complete, the Sparks sit at 15-17 and one game out of the playoff picture. The Sparks winning 9 of their last 12 games has made up of a good amount of ground for them to at least be in contention, but Jackson understands its more work to do.
"We just have to continue to win out and stay together, so that's the goal." Jackson reiterated. If the Sparks want to have success Jackson is going to be crucial. Throughout their hot streak, Jackson is averaging 16.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, and 2.3 apg a two way player like her is not common throughout the league.
Not only does she know that, but so do opposing teams. The Sparks have lost 2 of their last 3 games to the Liberty and the Golden State Valkyries where Jackson had scoring outputs of 16, 9, and 8 points. When looking at the schedule throughout their winning streak the Sparks have gained their full roster back, which has also helped out star players Kelsey Plum and De'arica Hamby not carry so much of the load. However, the Sparks are at their best when Jackson is at her best.
This is the finish line, and every game counts for the Sparks. The Sparks are luckily only one game out of the playoff picture behind the Seattle Storm who are 16-17 and on a six game losing streak. With that being said, the Sparks must capitalize on these next few games to get back in the playoff picture.
The Sparks have two upcoming road games versus the Dallas Wings and the Washington Mystics before returning back home next Wednesday.