CHICAGO, IL – It was a very difficult week for the Los Angeles Sparks to say the least. After getting blown out by the Las Vegas Aces, it was announced that rookie Jasmine Walker, the 7th pick in this year’s draft, will miss the rest of the season due to a torn ACL in her right knee.
It was a non-contact injury she suffered in the loss to the Aces that will require season-ending surgery.
While they have dealt with quite a bit of adversity to start this season, the Sparks showed they were ready to persevere with a 76-61 win over the Chicago Sky.
It was the first win of the season for the Sparks (1-2) and a much-needed one after two embarrassing losses.
The second unit for the Sparks led the charge scoring 35 points led by veterans Brittney Sykes, who scored 11 points along with 5 rebound, 5 steals, and 3 assists becoming the 2nd player in WNBA history to have such a game off the bench.
Amanda Zahui B., making her Sparks debut, scored 8 points on 2/3 shooting from three-point range.
Head coach Derek Fisher made some adjustments to the lineups having Sykes come off the bench with some of the younger players and the veteran Zahui B.
“We got some dogs and some OG’s into that second group,” Fisher said with a smile. “Brittney and Amanda with the experience in this league, understanding situations, and most importantly they’re both really, really competitive, highly passionate players. That energy is what we really needed. They both bring that everyday and that really helped us tonight to sustain the effort throughout the course of the game.”
Sykes believes the bench unit that featured her, Zahui B., and younger players like Nia Coffey, Te’a Cooper, and Bria Holmes could continue to ascend.
“I definitely think it could be an ongoing thing, because with me and Zahui, we have years in the league,” Sykes said. “It’s weird to call myself a vet but I’ve had experience for five years. Going in with that second group and having younger players, who haven’t been through those situations we’re probably going to go through, it was a big move. I like it, it works for us.”
Zahui B. commented on how much energy the bench brought and the fun she had.
“The energy was great, everyone came off the bench with a lot of energy and we just played together,” Zahui B. said. “It was so much fun; I had so much fun out there. We’re just going to build on the shot selection and really staying together on defense.”
With the Sky (2-3) without star players like Candace Parker (ankle) and Allie Quigley (hamstring), the Sparks forced 27 Chicago turnovers, a franchise worst for the Sky.
It’s safe to say the energy and intensity the Sparks played with was infectious, and it started with the second unit who continuously increased the lead throughout the game.
The mix of high energy veterans with the youngsters clearly worked for Fisher and the team for one night. We shall see if they can build on it moving forward.
