The Sparks have been excellent offensively, especially lately. They have the fifth-best offensive rating in the league and plenty of weapons. Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Rickea Jackson, and Azura Stevens can all drop 15 to 20 points on any given night. Defensively, it has been a very different story for the Sparks. They rank eleventh in defensive rating. Only the Sun and Sky are worse on that end of the floor.
The Sparks’ struggles on defense should soon be a thing of the past. Cameron Brink has only played three games this season, but already made a massive defensive impact. Her ability to block and alter shots was on full display in the Sparks’ 100-91 win over the Indiana Fever.
Cameron Brink was a defensive menace against Indiana
Cameron Brink is still not 100 percent. And yet, she was able to put together a stellar defensive performance against the Fever. She played only 16 minutes, the most so far this season, but recorded five blocks. Brink got two blocks on Aliyah Boston in the post, swatted away drives from Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham, and met Damiris Dantas at the rim. The latter was called a foul at first, but the call was overturned after a coach’s challenge.
With Brink in the paint, the Fever’s guards struggled to get to the rim, often choosing to pass the ball back out as soon as they faced Brink. She also altered several shots by the Fever’s bigs without blocking them.
Moreover, Brink showed off her ability to move her feet and stay in front of guards when she slowed down Kelsey Mitchell on a fast break in the third quarter.
Brink missed all six of her shot attempts. Nevertheless, she was a +12 for the game. Her defense more than made up for her lack of offensive production.
This is only the beginning for Brink
Brink has only played a total of 42 minutes—a little more than a full game—this season. Over those 42 minutes, she recorded nine blocks. With that kind of defensive production, it is easy to forget that Brink is still working her way back into shape.
Brink suffered an ACL tear over a year ago. She spent significant time not able to play or train before going through a difficult rehab process. While she has been solid so far, Brink is still not at her best. The more she plays, the more comfortable and impactful she will become.
If this is only the beginning, opponents should already fear Brink’s defense towards the end of the season.