Things are looking up in Los Angeles as the Sparks try to end a franchise-record four-year playoff drought.
The Sparks have come flying out of the All-Star break. After a dramatic 101-99 win over the New York Liberty on Saturday, Los Angeles has won five consecutive games and improved to 11-14 on the season; entering Tuesday night's home game against the Las Vegas Aces, the Sparks are one game out of the eighth and final WNBA playoff spot.
Not only are the Sparks poised to welcome back forward Cameron Brink on Thursday following a 13-month absence, but Los Angeles' top players are rounding into form at the right time. All-Star guard Kelsey Plum has scored at least 20 points in four of the past five games; Rickea Jackson has scored at least 22 points three times in a four-game span.
MORE: Cameron Brink recovery timeline: What to know about Sparks star's return from torn ACL, meniscus
In addition, forward Dearica Hamby on Tuesday was named Western Conference Player of the Week after a particularly-impressive three-game stretch. The three-time All-Star and two-time Sixth Player of the Year shot 76.5 percent from the field over this span, averaging better than 20 points and nearly 12 rebounds as the Sparks continue to hum.
Big buckets. Big boards. Big wins.
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 29, 2025
Dearica Hamby is your Week 8 Western Conference Player of the Week 👑
She averaged 20.3 PPG, 11.7 RPG, and 1.7 SPG in a 3-0 stretch for the Sparks! #WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/ddXG8w1qug
With Brink making her long-awaited return at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, the Sparks may recover the missing piece necessary for a second-half playoff push -- and reaching the postseason after a 6-14 start would be an impressive feat for a retooled Los Angeles squad.
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