Cameron Brink and NaLyssa Smith’s physical battle boiled over tonight as the Los Angeles Sparks and the Las Vegas Aces faced off in a Commissioner’s Cup matchup. The two teams had already played twice coming into this game, with the series tied 1-1. So whoever won this one would take the upper hand. But a game that should have been about who played better ended up being all about the Brink-Smith altercation after the final buzzer went off.

Brink and Smith spent most of the game battling for position underneath the basket, fighting for rebounds, loose balls, and second-chance opportunities. The physicality between both of them got so intense that, with just 1 minute and 40 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, the ref assessed a double technical to both of them after they were seen getting into a verbal altercation.

So when the reporters asked Brink about her back-and-forth with Smith after the game, the Sparks star did not hold back.

“I mean, what do you want me to say? It’s a physical game. I’m not afraid of anybody. That’s all I’m gonna say. I’m not afraid of anybody,” Cameron Brink said, as per Justin Russo.

Now, if you’re thinking it was just a heated moment between two athletes, you couldn’t be more wrong. Because the rivalry between Brink and Smith has been brewing since their last game.

When the Aces met the Sparks on May 23, the Sparks walked away with a win. But in that game, Brink suffered a nose injury when Smith caught her in the face with a stray arm while battling for position. Brink came ready for a rematch. Cameras caught her refusing Aces guard Jackie Young’s attempts to calm things.

With both teams locked in a tight battle, every possession carried weight. But in the end, the Las Vegas Aces pulled away to secure the win.

Cameron Brink’s Intensity Was Not Enough As Aces Take the Win Home

Even in a physical, high-intensity matchup, Cameron Brink continued to make her presence felt for the Los Angeles Sparks, but it just wasn’t enough to change the outcome.

The 6-foot-4 star finished the night with 9 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks in 25 minutes by staying active on both ends of the floor and anchoring stretches of the Sparks’ interior defense in a game defined by physical battles inside.

The physical tone of this game was something that never really faded throughout the contest, especially in rebounding situations and second-chance battles.

On the scoreboard, however, the Aces took control when it mattered most. A’ja Wilson led the way with 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks, while Jackie Young added 16 points as Las Vegas pulled away late to secure a 79-69 win on their home floor.

The Sparks struggled offensively, shooting just 30.8% from the field, despite strong showings from Rae Burrell (22 points) and Nneka Ogwumike (12 points, 12 rebounds).

The loss drops LA to 4-5 for the season, but Brink & Co. face Vegas again on September 22 with a chance to tie the season series.