Sparks, Mystics looking for their grooves, set for rematch

The Los Angeles Sparks discovered the correct of rhythm previous to the quick WNBA All-Star break, and they are going to be seeking to preserve that after they go to the Washington Mystics on Tuesday.

It is going to be a rematch of the newest recreation for every workforce. The Sparks blew out visiting Washington 99-80 final Tuesday within the closing recreation for the groups earlier than the hiatus. Three Los Angeles gamers reached the 20-point mark within the recreation, led by Dearica Hamby’s 26.

“I believe we’re beginning to determine it out, and being wholesome helps,” Sparks coach Lynne Roberts stated.

Mystics coach Sydney Johnson stated he noticed room for enchancment from his membership.

“They uncovered a bit of little bit of our weaknesses,” Johnson stated. “There are some issues I can assist our gamers with to assist us play higher.”

Defensive breakdowns within the first assembly will should be addressed, Johnson stated. The Mystics (11-11) will intention to get again on monitor after their three-game successful streak was snapped in Los Angeles.

“They’re a terrific frontcourt, versatile,” stated forward-center Shakira Austin, who led Washington with 16 factors in opposition to the Sparks. “They had been a bit of extra bodily. We’ve to cease being the much less bodily workforce.”

The Sparks (8-14) are bracing for a unique strategy from the Mystics.

“They are going to come at us otherwise,” stated Kelsey Plum, who leads the Sparks in scoring with 20.1 factors per recreation. “We all know that, so simply be ready for that.”

The Sparks are nonetheless adjusting underneath Roberts. She is in her first season on the Los Angeles bench after being employed to switch the fired Curt Miller.

“It is simply time collectively and within the system and it takes a minute,” Roberts stated. “We simply obtained to maintain our foot on the fuel as a bunch.”

A key contributor for Los Angeles has been Julie Allemand, who dished out 10 assists final week in opposition to Washington. The Sparks had been plus-22 with Allemand on the court docket, regardless that she scored solely three factors in 32 minutes.

“That is exhausting to do,” Roberts stated of the plus-minus ratio. “Her worth can’t be unspoken.”

Brittney Sykes is Washington’s high scorer at 17.1 factors per recreation, and she or he was added as an harm substitute for the All-Star Sport. Rookie teammates Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen additionally represented the Mystics on the All-Star Sport.

“They’re checking quite a lot of containers,” Johnson stated of his workforce. “They’re working. They’re getting higher. There’s humility.”

Mystics guard Sug Sutton stated the primary half of the season was a stretch of attending to know one another.

“We nonetheless have one other 22 video games,” Sutton stated. “I believe we have been doing good, holding one another accountable.”

–Discipline Stage Media