WNBA: Curt Miller, Los Angeles Sparks cut up with Seattle Storm

The Los Angeles Sparks had back-to-back matchups towards the Seattle Storm on Saturday and Tuesday, with the primary matchup demonstrating how they’ll win a tricky recreation and defend house court docket and the opposite being an utter collapse. Add up all of the positives and negatives of 2023 and L.A. is even at 3-3 six video games in.

The Sparks’ 92-85 win on Saturday was spectacular for a number of causes. One, Los Angeles had simply performed a tricky additional time recreation towards the Phoenix Mercury the evening earlier than. Two, they have been capable of dominate the boards and stayed in command of the sport for a lot of the second half. And even with Jewell Loyd dominating with a 37-point efficiency, L.A. was capable of power her to go 0-of-3 within the closing minute to safe the victory.

Tuesday was the identical matchup however the end result was totally different. L.A. fell to Seattle 66-63 following a second-quarter collapse the place the Sparks gave up their 21-point benefit.

So how did L.A. blow a 21-point lead on the highway giving Seattle its first win of the season? One phrase: turnovers.

The Sparks dedicated 23 within the recreation and 12 within the second quarter, the place they have been outscored 29-14 and noticed their lead dwindle to simply three at halftime.

The Sparks nonetheless had an opportunity late, however Seattle simply performed higher within the ultimate two minutes to drag off the second-biggest comeback in franchise historical past.

Damage bug

One key participant lacking from the Sparks’ lineup of their defeat on Tuesday was Chiney Ogwumike. She was dominated out late on Tuesday with a foot harm/sickness. Accidents are part of each season, however the Sparks have been unable to have each key rotation participant obtainable for a recreation. Hopefully, that adjustments quickly and we are able to see what Curt Miller and firm can do with a totally wholesome roster.

Upcoming video games

This weekend the Sparks have two video games on their schedule, with the primary being towards the shocking 5-3 Chicago Sky on Friday at house. Chicago has discovered success with Kahleah Copper averaging 18.3 factors per recreation; she helps to make sure Skytown doesn’t undergo a rebuild in 2023.

The second matchup on Sunday pits the Sparks towards the Lynx in Minnesota. This recreation is simpler on paper because the Lynx are 1-6 and their sole vivid spot has been Napheesa Collier, who has executed every thing besides promote the popcorn to maintain this workforce aggressive. Whereas the sport might appear to be a simple win, if the Sparks have realized something from these previous couple of video games it’s that anybody can beat anybody on any given day. And if L.A. needs to get above .500 this weekend, they’ll should carry the suitable focus to each video games.