LOS ANGELES -- It was not a pretty game at all. But what mattered for the Sparks is that they got the job done.
The Sparks led by 22 in the fourth quarter. The Sun scored the last 13 points of the game. Los Angeles did not score in the last six minutes and 12 seconds. But again, all of that doesn't matter as the Sparks came away with a win that snapped their six-game losing streak, 77-68.
Sparks coach Lynne Roberts talked about having better starts. According to Justin Russo of Russo Writes, it was the first time the Sparks led after the first quarter at home since June 7th. That is about two and a months ago.
"Defensively, we were dialed in," Roberts said. "Offensively, we were playing with pace. I thought that's how we want to start the games. I thought defensively, we were talking better. Our pickup points were better. We were focused on getting consecutive stops like everyone was in on what we needed to do and I thought that first group did a really really good job."
Coach Lynne talked about better starts. It was the first time they led at the end of the first at home since JUNE 7 (v POR). Q by @FlyByKnite pic.twitter.com/1xwObEfTjk
— Rey-Rey (@TheNoLookPass) August 23, 2026
Rae Burrell once again led the team in scoring with 20 points.
"Just to stay aggressive," Burrell said about her mentality. "They weren't going to lay down. Just sticking with it, playing together, trying to play the right way. I feel like we came out way better with a way better start than we have before to set the tone and just keep that momentum going."
The Sparks did have 24 turnovers on Saturday.
"Sometimes, we get a little bit too greedy in moments versus just sticking to what works," Sparks guard Erica Wheeler said about managing the game. "That just come with, you know, just getting better each game. Buf when we share the ball, we typically we win the game."
Los Angeles had 19 assists in 27 field goals on Saturday.
Even though the Sparks' record isn't great, the chemistry has always been good for the team. Burrell said it has elevated her game to the next level.
"It just makes it so much easier when you're comfortable out there when you know your teammates and coaches, they got your back," Burrell said. "Just being able to play with that confidence. So I think that's just helped me play more freely and just putting me in great positions."
Team was asked about their chemistry. Q by @JackieRaeTV pic.twitter.com/mmqZpZbiEC
— Rey-Rey (@TheNoLookPass) August 23, 2026
Despite how ugly the game went, especially in the last half of the fourth, Roberts was happy to get the win.
"These guys have been working hard and showing up every day and doing what we asked," Roberts said. "That's what a pro does so I'm proud of them that we finally got a reward for the win."
As mentioned, Burrell scored 20 to lead the Sparks again in scoring. Nneka Ogwumike had a double-double with 11 points and 11 boards while Wheeler had 11 points and five assists. As for the Sun, they were led by Saniya Rivers with 14 and Leila Lacan with 13.
With the losing streak done, the Sparks will continue their home stand as the Dream return to L.A. for a rematch of Thursday. And as the Sparks remember, that did not go so well.