The L.A. Sparks will Continue to Fly

The LA Sparks' Rae Burrell (12) and Kelsey Plum (10) talk about their upcoming defensive task. File photo by Katareena Roska for Tangent Zine.

The Las Vegas Aces routed the LA Sparks 89-74, ending their five game winning streak at Crypto Arena Tuesday night. But there is something that this LA team has that other WNBA teams don't have the luxury of moving forward -- a team with a clean bill of health.

After missing in action for 13 months rehabbing from an ACL injury, Cameron Brink is back. The 2024 second overall pick in the WNBA draft played a limited 14 minutes and filled the stat sheets with 5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block and 1 assist.

Forward Dearica Hamby has been honored as the Western Conference Player of the Week following her impressive double-double averages of 20.3 PPG and 11.7 RPG, along with an astounding 76.5% shooting percentage during the Sparks' undefeated week.

We have yet to discuss Kelsey Plum, the back-to-back WNBA champion and four-time All-Star, who is currently on a tear on both offense and defense. Her shooting is on fire, and she is establishing herself as a top defender with an average of 1.4 steals per game. And let's not forget Azurá Stevens, who currently holds the 2025 WNBA record for grabbing 6 or more rebounds in 25 consecutive games.

So despite the blowout, why continue to watch the Sparks?

It’s a question I’ve been faced with since I first started covering women's sports as a whole.

The LA Sparks' Rickea Jackson talks to the media. Photo by Nicholai Roska for Tangent Zine

In addition to witnessing top-tier basketball right before your eyes, you might be drawn to the player rivalries that is up to par with reality TV drama. If you're a game enthusiast, perhaps you're here for the iconic atmosphere of the Crypto Arena and its wide array of concessions. Or maybe you're seeking a sense of community, joining a crowd to shout "DEFENSE" together.

But in truth, none of that is unique to women’s sports. If you’re anything like me, it’s because there’s something deeply satisfying about seeing a woman’s passion not only rewarded, but celebrated. It’s the type of passion that fuels you whether your team wins or loses, as in the case of the one and only Los Angeles Sparks.

Kelsey Plum answers questions from the media during practice. Photo by Nicholai Roska for Tangent Zine

We might have lost a game tonight, but with everyone back and happily playing for each other, the LA Sparks has found light at the end of the tunnel just as the second half of the season kicks off.