Sparks Coach Explains How Cameron Brink’s Game-Changing Moment Helped Defeat Storm In Thriller

Thought that 5-game win streak by the Los Angeles Sparks was just a fluke? After their loss to the Aces, plenty of people started to doubt their playoff chances. Some even wondered if their star forward’s return would mess with their momentum. Well, those questions have been debunked rather emphatically by the Sparks.

An absolute roller coaster affair once again for the Sparks, it’s almost as if they are addicted to late finishes. If you thought Rickea Jackson’s buzzer-beater against the Liberty was the grand finale, think again! Because this time against the Seattle Storm, they took it late… like very late.

Double overtime… how does that sound? Wild, right? Well, that’s exactly how far the Sparks took it against the Storm. And when it mattered most, Dearica Hamby came up clutch, dropping in the game-winning layup with just 4.3 seconds left to seal a 108-106 thriller. But this win wouldn’t have happened without the player some thought might mess up their momentum. Any guesses who we’re talking about?

No brownie points for guessing, it’s obviously Cameron Brink! While fans across the league have been eagerly waiting for her return, the Sparks needed her even more. Their post defense was struggling, giving up 36.9 points in the paint per game – second most in the league. On the boards? It wasn’t much better either, with just 25 defensive rebounds a night, ranking third worst. Brink was the clear answer to those problems. But ever since the Sparks’ win streak ended on her return game, there’s been a little chatter about whether she needs more time to adjust and find her rhythm this season.

Well, those doubts were put to bed tonight. It was Cameron Brink’s game-changing moment that helped shift the momentum for the Sparks against the Storm. With LA down by 7 to start the fourth, Brink came in clutch, hitting a jumper and then a three-pointer in quick succession to bring the gap down to just 2 points. That stretch completely changed the flow of the game. And yes, Coach Lynne Roberts was full of praise for her center after that impactful performance off the bench.

In the postgame press conference, she had nothing but praise for Brink. “Those were big,” Coach Lynne Roberts said about those two shots in the 4th quarter. “She just brings a different presence defensively. She’s got such good timing on blocks and um you know I thought she did great minutes and I’m looking forward to when she’s not on minutes restriction.”

Brink would finish the game with a stat line of 7 points, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals, all in just 12 minutes of action. It remains to be seen when her minutes restriction is taken off, but given the nature of the injury she just recovered from, you can tell it will take some time. But regardless of that, Brink’s energy on the defensive end, along with her clutch shots, earned her a +/- score of +8. Things look extremely bright for the Sparks going forward – if they can keep their defensive general fit, they could be the dark horses of the league.

The focus will now shift to the next game. Who are they facing? Let’s take a look.

Can Cameron Brink and co take down the high-flying Indiana Fever?

With a 12-15 record, the Sparks will be hosting the Caitlin Clark-less Indiana Fever at the crypto.com Arena. Interestingly, this is the one team the Sparks love to face. They have played each other twice, and both times the Sparks have come out victorious. It also helps that Clark won’t be suiting up against them.

But ESPN sees it differently. They’ve given the Fever a 55% chance to win this one. And honestly, it makes sense. Any team riding a 4-game winning streak would be favorites based on form, and the Fever are no exception. Plus, they’ve got the better record at 16-12 and a stronger defense, giving up 6.2 fewer points per game than the Sparks.

That said, the Sparks have been the Fever’s kryptonite all season long. But can Indiana finally break through this time? That’s the big question. With Cameron Brink slowly finding her rhythm, do you think the Sparks can pull it off again? Who’s your pick for the Fever vs Sparks showdown? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!