Before the All-Star & Olympic break, the Sparks lost 86-61 to Minnesota. Napheesa Collier from the Lynx could not be stopped as she tied her career-high with 27 points and cleared seven rebounds. The Sparks two stars are missed more than ever. Teams are recognizing their weaknesses and exploiting them.
A lot of changes need to be made during this time off. Fisher mentioned he and the coaching staff would evaluate their team, and they are excited about the chance to reset.
In these challenging times of losing games, Fisher notes they have developed the grit of what it takes to win at the highest level. “Getting knocked down the way we did when we started losing bodies, the game got so much harder for us as we lost players.”
Erica Wheeler, who finished the first half of the season with scoring in double figures 13 times, said this break came at the perfect time.
“I’m better under pressure, I’m not that good comfortable, so I love it. Our backs against the wall, and we have nothing to lose. I think we are all gone bring it.”
Despite the early-season struggles, the Sparks feel good about what they have accomplished without having their star players.
Wheeler says, “For me, I’m not worried. Teams still haven’t seen us play as a full roster yet. When we get back in the gym, we gone work.”
Brittney Sykes, who finished with 14 points, says even though they lost games, they won because of their ability to push themselves despite injuries.
She says throughout her career, adversity has been her best friend. There have been moments where she has to figure it out. “When adversity hits, you just have to punch it back. That’s how I see it; for me, it makes me a better person. I play harder because I have a little something on my back.”
Sykes says when the team returns from break, they won’t be at square one but finish where they left off. Sykes said, “We have to build on our foundation and keep going. We’re literally right there.”
On August 15th at 6:00 PM PT, the Sparks will face the Indiana Fever as they will be back in Staples Center for the first time this season.
