NEW YORK, NY – It’s a harsh reality but, when breaking down the LA Sparks’ (12-19) fifth straight loss to the New York Liberty (13-18), there is no new information to report.
Katie Lou Samuelson couldn’t buy a three-point shot in Barclay Center in back-to-back games against the Liberty. On Wednesday, she wasn’t even in the market and went 0-3 from outside.
Samuelson didn’t have much help. Lexie Brown, who felt disrespected when she wasn’t included in the three-point All-Star competition, went 1-5 from outside, including an airball to close out the game.
Sparks fans point to a call late in the game that helped seal the win for the Liberty on Wednesday but, it never should have gotten to that point. The Sparks had the lead for most of the game but, missing 11 shots in a row seemed to get the best of them and opened the door for the Liberty.
The highlight of these two back-to-back losses is, Olivia Nelson-Ododa. Often it is difficult to stay focused when you’re fighting a battle that can’t be won as the Sparks did on Tuesday. However, in the midst of the Sparks 102-73 loss to the Liberty, Nelson-Ododa was shooting 87% from the field. That effort earned the rookie her first ever professional start.
Ododa was ready for the challenge as she agressively put up shots under the basket with moves she has practiced with Nneka Ogwumike.
Ododa was just two points away from a double-double, but her defensive talents were on full display with four blocked shots, a steal, and 10 boards.
With every game, Ododa is developing into a true force to be reckoned with. Nonetheless, the Sparks will need much more than Ododa and Nneka Ogwumike to land a spot in the playoffs.
The Atlanta Dream currently hold the seventh playoff spot with a one-game advantage over the Sparks at 13-18. The Sparks face the Dream on Friday in what will likely be their last chance to make the playoffs.
